Mac Jones, J.C. Jackson Among New England Patriots ‘3 to Watch’ vs. New Orleans Saints
FOXBORO — The New England Patriots are hoping to avoid falling to 1-4, as they prepare to face the New Orleans Saints in Week 5 of the 2023 NFL season. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. ET on Sunday at Gillette Stadium.
The Pats are attempting to put their agonizing 38-3 loss to the Dallas Cowboys behind them against a Saints team looking to end a two-game losing streak. Despite a 2-0 start to the season, New Orleans was upset 26-9 at home by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last Sunday.
Though many Patriots players are expected to garner some attention during Sunday's matchup, here are three players that might raise an eyebrow when the Pats take the field against the Saints.
Mac Jones
Whether deservedly so or not, Jones bore the brunt of the fanbase’s blame for an abysmal offensive performance against the Cowboys. The 25-year-old was uncharacteristically responsible for three costly turnovers, facilitating Dallas' ability to put 19 of their 38 points on the board. Throughout the game, Jones exhibited both confusion and carelessness — two traits which ultimately led to disastrous results in Week 4.
Facing a seemingly "must-win" situation on Sunday, Jones must return to the offensive schemes with which he is most comfortable. The Alabama product is at his best when leading his receivers under the defense, releasing the ball quickly and delivering it accurately — as well as using the run to facilitate play-action passes. Offensive coordinator Bill O'Brien is expected to continue providing Jones greater responsibility to command the offense at the line of scrimmage. Conversely, New Orleans' defense is likely to show Jones various looks designed to take him out of his game, along with pressure from defensive end Cameron Jordan. The Pats starter must possess expansive field vision, while hitting his targets accurately and on-time to lead New England back into the win column.
New England Patriots QB Mac Jones
Cred: Matthew J Lee/Boston Globe staff
Rhamondre Stevenson
Having been a limited practice participant (thigh) throughout the week, Stevenson was officially listed as "questionable" on Friday's injury report. However, a Saturday evening EPSN report indicates that Stevenson is likely to play against the Saints. While New England's third-year rusher has earned his spot as the team's lead back, he has yet to find his rhythm through the team's four games. Stevenson has logged between 64 and 74 percent of the offensive plays weekly, compiling 60 carries for 164 yards and one rushing touchdown.
The Saints enter this matchup allowing 103.3 yards per game on the ground (no. 11 in NFL rankings,) as well as an average 4.1 yards per carry — placing them at 16th in the league in said category. Accordingly, New England may look to get Stevenson involved early and often. The Oklahoma product is at his best when blending his physical, powerful running style with his vision and athleticism to make tacklers miss in short-yardage situational runs. He also demonstrates an uncanny knack for utilizing the open field as an available target from both the backfield, as well as the line of scrimmage. Whether it be as a carrier or receiver, the third-year back should be a focal point of the Pats offense against New Orleans.
Keion White
With linebacker Matthew Judon expected to miss approximately two months while recovering from surgery to repair a torn biceps tendon, White is expected to provide both pop and power for the Pats front seven. Known primarily for his edge rush prowess, White has been a 'jack of all trades' since first putting on a Patriots uniform. The 6-4, 287-pounder has aligned at outside linebacker, set in a three-point stance, rushed the passer, played the run, and even dropped into coverage as well.5-technique defensive end.
The Georgia Tech product exhibits both physical size and athleticism. Though he should see most of his time at the five, he has the versatility move all over the defensive front. Given New Orleans' difficulties in pass protection — having surrendered 13 sacks — expect White to keep Saints' quarterback Derek Carr on alert for the majority of the afternoon.
BONUS: J.C. Jackson
Despite rejoining his former team just four days ago, Jackson is expected to be in uniform on Sunday. The ex-Pat, turned Los Angeles Charger, was reacquired via trade in the aftermath of the season-ending shoulder injury to rookie Christian Gonzalez. Jackson's knowledge of the Patriots defensive system apparently allowed for a much-less complicated learning curve when becoming acclimated to his new surroundings. As such, it would not be surprising to see him log notable minutes against the Saints.
When playing at his best, Jackson is still one of the NFL's most talented ball-hawking perimeter cornerbacks. His size (6-1, 198 pounds) provides him the ability to attack the ball at its highest point and fight through contact — making him an ideal candidate to draw coverage against the 6-3 Michael Thomas. However, his speed and short-area burst may help him limit the damage typically caused by New Orleans' top receiver Chris Olave. Still, he will have to limit contact with his targets down the field or run the risk of being flagged for penalties — an issue with which he has struggled throughout his career. Nevertheless, Jackson's presence on the field should provide a boost to a reeling Patriots secondary, even if only in a limited capacity.
