New England Patriots Mac Jones, Rhamondre Stevenson Among 3 to Watch vs. Indianapolis Colts

As the New England Patriots prepare to take on the Indianapolis Colts in Week 10, Patriots Country highlights three players on whom Pats fans might want to keep watch.

The New England Patriots will attempt to make their international mark in the win column on Sunday against the Indianapolis Colts in Frankfurt, Germany. Kickoff is set for 9:30 a.m. at Frankfurt Stadium.

This Week 10 matchup will mark the third meeting between the two former AFC rivals — the last of which resulting in a 27-17 defeat for the Patriots at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. The Pats enter this matchup on the heels of a hard-luck 20-17 Week 9 loss to the Washington Commanders at Gillette Stadium. Conversely, the Colts are hoping to continue their winning ways after a 27-13 victory over the Carolina Panthers. 

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 Colts.

Mac Jones

While the Pats third-year starter will once again draw the majority of the fan base’s attention, Jones has demonstrated recent signs of his ability to adequately run the team's offense. The 25-year-old has executed a handful of impressive touchdown drives, including a precision 14-yard strike to tight end Hunter Henry, as well as a 20-yard completion to receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster set the table for a 64-yard touchdown run by running back Rhamondre Stevenson in New England’s Week 9 loss to the Washington Commanders. 

Through nine games this season, the Alabama product has compiled 1,861 yards on 197 completions with 10 touchdowns and nine interceptions. Still his struggles with decision-making and careless control of the football will have Pats coaches keeping a watchful eye on the 2021 first-rounder. In theory, Jones should be able to test a Colts secondary which has allowed an average of  235 yards per game (ranked No. 23 in the NFL) and 6.6 yards per pass, However, if Jones is forced to play at a sped-up pace due to inadequate protection from the offensive line, Indianapolis’ defensive backs, led by former Patriot Kenny Moore, may be primed to add to their team total of nine interceptions. 

Rhamondre Stevenson

While New England's third-year rusher has solidified his spot as the team's lead back, he is continuing to find his rhythm through the team's unofficial first-half of the season. Through nine games. Stevenson has 106 carries for 394 yards and three rushing touchdowns. While those numbers are incompatible with most offseason projections, Stevenson has recently returned to his strengths of breaking tackles and gaining yards after contact. 

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. The Colts; run defense ranks at No. 24 in the NFL, allowing 125.6 yards per game on the ground. Whether it be as a carrier or receiver, the third-year back should be a focal point of the Pats offense against Indianapolis.

Christian Barmore

Following a slow start to the season, Barmore has been one of the Pats’ top defenders in recent weeks. The Alabama product enters this matchup having logged 23 total tackles, 12 quarterback pressures, 10 run stuffs, five pass breakups and three sacks. Accordingly, Barmore is expected to see action in both run and pass defense packages on Sunday. 

Barmore’s ability to push the pocket and take a stand against the run keeps him among the team’s premier defenders. He plays with good leverage, and is strong enough to take on double-teams. He locates the ball quickly, chases with good effort and has excellent range for his size. Barmore has also demonstrated quick hands, which has made him effective in both stuffing the run, and challenging the passer. If New England is to find success against the Colts’ offense, Barmore will need to at least equal, if not eclipse, his recent performance along the defensive line. 

---