Next Man Up in Foxboro:
All year, first-year head coach Jerod Mayo has been using that phrase. He has mainly been using it regarding injuries…and they do have plenty of those. The most recent and possibly most detrimental is the loss of center David Andrews. His loss depletes an already undermanned and underwhelming offensive line that hasn’t been able to give quarterback Jacoby Brissett any support. Even the top quarterbacks in the NFL need protection from the O-Line, so this is a big deal for a Patriots team that doesn’t have a top QB.
But this week, the next man-up mentality also goes to on-the-field performance. Mayo has demoted RB Rhamondre Stevenson. On Sunday, Antonio Gibson will replace Stevenson as the RB1 and starter against the Dolphins. Stevenson is not being benched, but this is definitely a message to the team…perform or lose your job. After four straight weeks of fumbling, Mayo had no choice but to make this move to sit at Stevenson. Gibson has historically had fumbling problems too, so it remains to be seen if the move will be effective. This will boost Gibson’s value, though, and obviously plummet Stevenson’s.
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – SEPTEMBER 18: Davante Adams #17 of the Las Vegas Raiders celebrates a touchdown in the first quarter against the Arizona Cardinals at Allegiant Stadium on September 18, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Unger/Getty Images)
Offensive Woes in Vegas:
Everyone has been concerned that Davante Adams may be traded to the Saints or Jets, nobody has been talking about him not playing for the Raiders due to injury and not a trade. Adams does have a hamstring issue which will prevent him from playing this week.
Aside from Adams’ loss, the Raiders have also lost the services of their RB1, Zamir White, who is out with a groin injury. Surprisingly, the team is 2-2 and still in the AFC playoff hunt. They go to Denver this week to face off against the 2-2 Broncos, and one team will be 3-2 by game’s end…unless the two teams tie.
Without Adams and White, it’s hard to see a scenario where the Raiders leave Denver with a win. The Broncos have one of the best defenses in the league, and with those Raiders losses, taking the Broncos -2.5 feels like stealing money.
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – DECEMBER 31: Jordan Love #10 of the Green Bay Packers looks to pass the ball in the fourth quarter of the game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium on December 31, 2023 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images)
Love Loss:
The Packers fell a bit short last week, losing to the Vikings 31-29. They were down by 28 points early and made a furious comeback, scoring 22 points in the fourth quarter. They were without the services of Christian Watson, out with a left ankle sprain. He is doubtful this week against the Rams in what is shaping up to be a very important game.
They are 2-2, with both losses happening with Jordan Love under center. He is the team’s no.1 QB, but he needs to lead the team to a victory personally. Going 0-3 with him starting would be unacceptable. They are favored by 3 pts on the road and should cover. The Rams, for their part, are 1-3 and desperately need a win. They have been ravaged by injuries, losing both Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua. They are the heart and soul of that offense, and without them, the team isn’t even averaging 20 points per game. They are -10 per game in pt differential. Sean McVey’s squad just isn’t that good right now.
