How Drake Maye and Co. can snap a losing streak in London – Boston Herald

The Patriots shook up their beginning lineup.

They modified their practice schedule.

They flew throughout the Atlantic Ocean in a single day Friday.

Will that be sufficient to lastly clinch a second win?

The Pats are slated as 6-point underdogs in opposition to the Jaguars, who’re additionally mired at 1-5 due to issues on either side of the ball. Jacksonville’s protection ranks within the backside 10 of a number of metrics and will present a pleasant springboard for Drake Maye after his impressive debut last weekend. Maye tossed three touchdowns in opposition to Houston, regardless of dealing with an early 14-0 deficit and fixed stress with none working recreation to assist him.

If the Patriots can transfer on the Jaguars early, may Maye earn his first win?

Right here’s what to observe for in London:

When the Patriots run

Final week, Antonio Gibson pressured 5 misses tackles in opposition to Houston, however gained simply 19 yards on 13 yards due to some shoddy run-blocking. The Patriots couldn’t run inside or exterior, and acquired stumped on each scheme they tried.

Although Gibson — and potentially Rhamondre Stevenson — ought to discover holes extra simply versus Jacksonville, an injured and inconsistent Pats offensive line can’t be anticipated to pave the way in which for a 100-yard recreation. That offensive line shall be debuting its seventh different starting lineup in as many video games. So, search for the teaching workers to maybe contain Maye as a runner to choose up extra yards in key conditions.

Maye led the crew in speeding final week with 38 yards on five scrambles.

When the Patriots cross

Bombs away.

The Patriots have saved most of their play-action bundle underneath wraps this season, cautious of their very own safety points and incapacity to separate downfield. That ought to change with Maye, and a Jaguars protection that’s further weak in opposition to play-action.

Jacksonville has allowed extra completions and extra passing yards off play-action than any other defense in the NFL. Maye went 4-for-4 final week after play fakes, plus a scramble. He has the arm energy and mobility to make these deep photographs potential, even when on the run.

Out broad, Jerod Mayo mentioned this week DeMario Douglas, Kendrick Bourne and Kayshon Boutte have been the one receivers persistently making performs. It’s potential they might take some snaps from second-round rookie Ja’Lynn Polk, who has three drops within the final two video games.

When the Jaguars run

Jacksonville working again Tank Bigsby resides as much as his title this season, bowling over tacklers and averaging extra yards after contact than any rusher within the league. The Patriots have largely tightened up their tackling points, however they’re nonetheless weaker in opposition to the run than they’ve been in years. Mayo’s protection has allowed 190-plus yards in back-to-back video games.

New personnel may make a distinction. Backup inside linebacker Christian Elliss is in line for extra taking part in time, following consecutive dangerous video games from Raekwon McMillan. The Pats may additionally go for modifications alongside their defensive position. Defensive sort out Davon Godchaux has been their solely constant stopper up entrance.