What to Watch For: Patriots vs Redskins

Patriots Offense

It has been a struggle for the Patriots offense over the last two weeks.

Since halftime of the game against the Jets (so last six quarters), New England has scored just 16 points, and have one of the worst running attacks in the league.

“I think every game there’s a couple good things and probably some days more good than bad, some days maybe a little more bad than good. So, it’s always something to correct, something to do a little bit better. So, we’re just thinking about this week and the things we have to do to play well,” said Patriots quarterback Tom Brady during his press conference on Friday.

This week, Julian Edelman remains questionable and Josh Gordon appeared on the injury report with a knee issue.

Tight end Ben Watson reportedly did not make the trip to Washington, so his return following a suspension will be delayed another week.

It would appear that this week will present another opportunity for Brady to build some trust with some of his new receivers and weapons, although he did not exactly give them a ringing endorsement on Friday.

When asked about the new players in the offense and if he can help them, Brady said the following:

“I think one thing we talk about here is just doing our jobs. I mean, I can do what I can do. Every player can do what they can do. I can’t do anything for anyone else; they can’t do anything for me. So, a lot of it’s just trust and trying to communicate trust and communication. So, I’ve always said the best teammates are the ones that I have to think about the least because I don’t want to spend my mental energy on things that aren’t really my job.”

Rookie Jakobi Meyers has three catches on four targets this season, while tight ends Ryan Izzo and Matt LaCosse have two catches each on three and two targets respectively.

The good news for the Patriots is that Sunday could be a “get well” game.

The Redskins are allowing 4.7 yards per carry and just gave up 164 to the Saquan Barkley-less Giants last week.

When it comes to defending the pass, Washington is allowing almost 78% completions and 63% third-down conversions.

PHOTO: Mike Lizzi/Flickr Commons

Michael Bennett

The Patriots defense is the best in the league through four games, giving up just 6.8 points per game and 243 total yards per game.

However, one player has been noticeably missing - Michael Bennett.

Bennett was arguably the Patriots' biggest acquisition this offseason and was expected to fill the role left by Trey Flowers, however, that has not been the case.

“He’s playing on all downs for us. He's playing on first, second and third down. Depending on how it goes, some weeks he could be more on early downs than third down or vice versa, or it could be on all downs in a rotation,” said Belichick during his press conference on Wednesday.

Bennett has started just one of the first four games, and last week saw time behind defensive lineman Lawrence Guy, Adam Butler, and Danny Shelton.

Bennett has four tackles and two sacks on the season.

Earlier this week, Bennett was asked about his role in the Patriots defense and he replied “the zero role.”

He later said he was joking.

Here is a look at Bennett’s snaps through the first four weeks:

• Week 1 -  37 snaps, (55% of defensive snaps)
• Week 2 - 25 snaps, (40% of defensive snaps)
• Week 3 - 19 snaps (38% of defensive snaps)
• Week 4 - 24 snaps (30% of defensive snaps)

PHOTO: Patriots media website

Mike Nugent

All eyes will be on the Patriots special teams this week.

As GoLocalProv reported, New England signed kicker Mike Nugent after placing Stephen Gostkowski on injured reserve.

Nugent, 35, has played for seven teams since being drafted by the New York Jets in the second round of the 2005 NFL draft.

Over his career, Nugent has converted 253 of 311 field goals and 363 of 377 extra points in 164 games

“He’s an experienced kicker that's kicked in New York, kicked in Cincinnati. I don't know if that's going to be a big factor this week. We're just worried about this week right now,” said Belichick during his press conference on Friday.

By comparison, Gostkowski is 374 for 428 on field goals and 653 for 664 on extra points in 204 career games.

According to Pro Football Reference, Nugent has made just 13 of 30 field goals from 50+ yards, 77 of 102 field goals from 40 to 49 yards and 78 of 93 field goals from 30 to 39 yards.

Belichick added, "I think we'll have a pretty good idea what his range is. It's been about the same since he's been in the league. We've, again, played against him, so defensively on our field goal block and defensive strategy we've had to kind of know what that is."

PHOTO: Keith Allison/Wikipedia

Interception Streak

Patriots safety Devin McCourty has four interceptions on the season through the first four games.

McCourty is tied with Mike Haynes for the longest interception streak in franchise history.

No NFL player had opened a season with an interception in four straight games since Brian Russell did so for the Minnesota Vikings in 2003.

“You could be in good position, you could play good football, but the ball doesn't find you. And then sometimes you go out there and you know, Steph [Gilmore] tips one to me, I got an overthrow, I got another overthrow, and one where the quarterback never saw me. So, I wouldn't say they're like the hardest plays you ever make in your career, but sometimes you keep putting yourself in the right position, the ball will find you,” said McCourty during his press conference on Wednesday.

McCourty should have a good opportunity to continue the streak on Sunday when the Patriots defense faces Redskins quarterback Colt McCoy.

McCoy is just returning from a fractured tibia that he suffered back in December.

He was not named the starter by Washington coach Jay Gruden until late in the week.

If McCoy is not effective, Washington will likely go with rookie Dwayne Haskins, who threw the ball 17 times last week and was picked off on three of them.

As a team, the Patriots have ten interceptions on the year, no other team has more than five. 

McCourty added, “I think me having interceptions shows how good this unit is. I'm able to play a lot of things just on being free and knowledge because our corners are so good. I don't have to worry about anything. I have complete faith in what they're doing, and I think a lot of us being on the same page allows us to do some things out there as a group that you can't always do.”

PHOTO: Patriots media website

Jordan Richards

Safety Patrick Chung has already been ruled out of Sunday's game with a heel injury, which means Jordan Richards could see time. 

The Patriots signed Richards earlier this week after he was released by Atlanta. 

Richards was originally drafted by New England in 2015 and spent three seasons in New England before leaving. 

“He's a smart kid and he's played for us in the kicking game and on defense, so we'll see,” said Patriots head coach Bill Belichick on during his press conference on Wednesday.

In his career, Richards has played in 56 games, started 19 of them and has six passes defensed, two forced fumbles and one fumble recovery.

He also has 63 solo tackles.

New England is very deep in the secondary, so Richards’ action would be limited if he does get in.

He could also see time on special teams.

PHOTO: Joe Calabro/GoLocalProv