5 bold predictions for the Patriots against the Saints

EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - SEPTEMBER 19: Outside linebacker Dont'a Hightower #54 of the New England Patriots sacks quarterback Zach Wilson #2 of the New York Jets during the fourth quarter at MetLife Stadium on September 19, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /

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EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – SEPTEMBER 19: Quarterback Mac Jones #10 of the New England Patriots directs the offense in the first half of the game against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on September 19, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /

The Patriots Passing Game Will Be Methodical

Mac Jones wasn’t setting the world on fire in Week 2, but he didn’t have to. He went 22-of-30 for 186 yards and didn’t throw an interception. When the defense is playing that well, managing the game is all the quarterback needs to do.

If you go back and watch how the Panthers attacked the Saints, it felt like you were watching a New England offense. While Sam Darnold made a few big plays throughout the game, he took what the defense gave him for the most part.

It was a lot of eight-yard completions that would turn into 12 yards. The Panthers just methodically picked apart the Saints defense that had been so dominant in Week 1.

This feels like a matchup tailor made for the Patriots. Very west-coast style, nickel and diming the defense to death. The Patriots are going to do exactly what the Panthers did. They’ll run plays that have at least one easy outlet, whether that be in the middle of the field or on a short curl if the defense is playing soft coverage.

Eventually the Saints will have to play tighter, which will lead to shots taken downfield.

We know how methodical Bill Belichick is, and Sunday feels like a game that the Patriots offense will thrive in.

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