The 3-7 New England Patriots are next Los Angeles Rams‘ schedule, a very beatable opponent for Sean McVay’s team – at least on paper. However, the Rams won’t look beyond this resilient AFC East team. Certainly not after Monday’s loss to the Miami Dolphins and their Week 4 loss to the Chicago Bears.
The Patriots are gaining momentum by winning two of their last three games, and with Drake Maye’s continued improvement, they could be tough on Sunday.
To preview this match, we met Jordy McElroy, Patriots Wire Editor and asked him five questions, including his prediction. He gets the Patriots to upset the Rams in a close game at Gillette Stadium.
1. How do you rate Drake Maye’s rookie year so far?
Patriots Wire: Drake Maye has been everything the Patriots hoped he would be as a draft pick. Keep in mind that he has only started five games in the NFL and is already showing signs of a very bright future in the league. It would be great if the Patriots had a better offensive line and more weapons at receiver. Maye carries a much improved attack that still gets broken.
2. What would be the best game plan to beat the Patriots?
Patriots Wire: The best way to beat the Patriots was to run the ball effectively on their defense. However, things could get interesting this week if Christian Barmore returns to action. There’s a chance he could play in this game. That said, he hasn’t played all season, and a lot would be expected of him if he picks up where he left off last year. The Patriots are allowing an average of 135.8 rushing yards per game to their opponents at home this season.
3. Who is one underrated player Rams fans should know about?
Patriots Wire: People are finally starting to understand Christian Gonzalez, but things have been strangely quiet when it comes to the outside view of defensive end Keion White. The 2023 second-round draft pick is a potential destroyer on the rise. There are still some raw traits in his game that bog down his consistency, but he poses a problem when he’s locked down.
4. What is the Patriots’ greatest offensive strength?
Patriots Wire: The Patriots’ biggest strength offensively is undoubtedly rookie quarterback Drake Maye. His ability to run and extend plays elevates the entire offense. Not only can he hurt a defense with his legs, but he can also burn them over the top with his arm cannon if he gets the chance. But that gunslinger mentality combined with rookie tendencies can lead to turnovers. So that’s something else to watch out for in this match too.
5. Who wins on Sunday?
Patriots Wire: The Patriots are riding with some momentum after a dominant win over the Bears. I think they’ll continue this momentum with the news of Christian Barmore’s possible return on the horizon as well. They finally have hope with a talented quarterback under center, and that can be a dangerous thing, even if they’re not the most talented team on paper. Patriots 24, Rams 20
This article was originally published on Rams Wire: Rams vs. Patriots Preview: 5 Big Questions for Sunday’s Game
