The Patriots have been battling more than just their opponents on the field this season. Cam Newton missed a start against the defending Super Bowl champions due to a COVID diagnosis, and Stephon Gilmore received a positive test just days later.
New England’s Week 5 bout with the Denver Broncos was postponed to Week 6 due to more players testing positive for the virus. Just two days before that re-scheduled game was set to take place, the Patriots shut down their facility again due to another positive diagnosis.
The NFL seems to be steadfast on playing through the virus, and both teams will have to be ready for this Sunday afternoon match-up. If the Patriots want to celebrate a victory this weekend, these five things will have to happen.
New England’s offensive line depth must step up.
News broke Saturday that right guard Shaq Mason was being placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list as a player with either a positive test or a player who was a close contact of a positive player. This news comes days after backup center James Ferentz was placed on the same list.
Starting center David Andrews is still on injured reserve for at least one more week following surgery to repair a broken thumb. This leaves the Patriots with very few options. One could guess that the Patriots would start Isaiah Wynn at left tackle, second-year offensive lineman Hjalte Froholdt at left guard, starting guard Joe Thuney at center, rookie Michael Onwenu at right guard, and seventh-round pick Justin Herron at right tackle.
With the Patriots’ offensive strength coming from the running game, these young players will have to play like experienced veterans if New England wants to do what they do best.
Lockdown Jerry Jeudy.
With Noah Fant sidelined for this game, the biggest weapon that the Broncos have on offense is rookie wideout Jerry Jeudy. The Alabama product has had a strong showing in his first four professional games, bringing in 15 receptions for 234 yards and a touchdown. Only one of those games was really played with their starting quarterback, so it’s likely his production could see a jump if Drew Lock does play.
Gilmore should be used on Jeudy to hopefully take him out of this game. Denver’s offensive talent is lacking with Fant, Courtland Sutton, and Melvin Gordon all inactive, so New England should be able to neutralize their most-talented wide receiver.
Limit the turnovers.
The last time the Patriots were on the field, they seemed to hold their own with the Chiefs, but some of the decision-making really left a bad taste in fans’ mouths. Brian Hoyer and Jarrett Stidham combined to turn the ball over four times in that match-up, which can’t be done if you expect to win.
Now, this week Newton is expected to be under center, and it’s obvious he’s more-talented than both Hoyer and Stidham. However, he’s not incapable of making mistakes, as he’s thrown two interceptions in his four starts since joining the Patriots. Newton needs to relax and make winning plays while not trying to do too much.
Don’t let Phillip Linsday take over.
While their workhorse back may be out this week, the Broncos are still competent at the position. Phillip Lindsay is expected to make his return to action this week after battling turf toe since opening weekend. When healthy, Lindsay has been extremely impressive, rushing for over 1,000 yards in each of his two seasons.
The former Colorado Buffalo is a three-down back who can do a little bit of everything for the Broncos. Where Lindsay could really hurt New England is in the passing game. The Patriots haven’t looked extremely athletic at the linebacker position, so unless they plan on covering him with a safety, the running back may have a great first game back from injury.
Win the time of possession.
The 2020 iteration of the New England Patriots are at their best when they are methodically moving the ball down the field on the ground. With Sony Michel on injured reserve and the reserve/COVID-19 list, the Patriots are likely to hand the main rushing duties to Damien Harris again.
Harris made his debut as the lead back against the Chiefs and rewarded New England with a 100-yard performance. If the Patriots can use Harris, Newton, and Rex Burkhead to move down the field and eat up the clock, they will force the Broncos into throwing the ball and taking shots. With all of their injuries, Denver’s receivers should be stifled by New England’s secondary, and with any luck, the Patriots may be able to force a few turnovers.
