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[New England Patriots]

Patriots position grades from win over Jets in NFL Week 17

The New England Patriots. took care of business against the New York Jets on Sunday, living up to their status as a 13.5-point favorites by completely dismantling their opponent. The Patriots jumped to a 42-3 lead midway through the third quarter and ended up winning 42-10 after taking their foot off the gas down the stretch.

The game did not only see several noteworthy performances on both sides of the ball, but an impressive all-around outing from the newly-crowned AFC East champions.

Patriots position grades from NFL Week 17​

Quarterback: Even if we are regarding the quality of the opponent — or lack thereof — Drake Maye was outstanding. He led the Patriots to six touchdowns in his six drives, and when he was pulled after the final TD had completed 19 of 21 passes for 256 yards with five touchdowns to five different receivers. He also posted 1.24 expected points added per play, the highest such mark in the NFL this season for a quarterback. The new MVP frontrunner was spectacular, and even his backup fared well: Joshua Dobbs went 3-for-4 for 30 yards in his one-and-a-half quarters of work. | Grade: A

Running back: The first game between the Patriots and Jets in Week 11 was the TreVeyon Henderson show. On Sunday, Rhamondre Stevenson had his day in the sun: the veteran, who missed that November meeting with a toe injury, finished with 102 scrimmage yards and a pair of touchdowns on 14 touches. Henderson also remained actively involved, though, and led the team with 82 rushing yards. Even backup D’Ernest Johnson contributed 5 yards to what was a 156-yard outing on the ground for New England. | Grade: A

Wide receiver: Down starters Kayshon Boutte and Mack Hollins, the Patriots turned to rookies Kyle Williams and Efton Chism to take on a bigger workload. The pair delivered, catching a combined five passes for 50 yards and a Chism touchdown. The star of the show at wide receiver, however, was Stefon Diggs: the veteran caught all six of his targets for 101 yards and a score. The least prominently-featured of the bunch was DeMario Douglas, who played just nine snaps after carrying the questionable label into the game; he finished with one 10-yard reception. | Grade: A

Tight end: Facing some turnover at wide receiver, the Patriots decided to get both of their top tight ends actively involved in the passing game. They, too, rose. up to the occasion: Hunter Henry caught three passes for 49 yards and a touchdown, while Austin Hooper finished with two receptions for 11 yards and a score. The pair also looked good in the blocking department, with Henry in particular standing out. Fullback/tight end hybrid Jack Westover, on the other hand, was more hit-and-miss before exiting the game with an ankle injury in the early fourth quarter. | Grade: A–

Offensive line: Even with left guard Jared Wilson out, the Patriots offensive line did not skip a beat against the Jets. The Patriots’ quarterbacks were hit just four times all game — including a roughing the passer penalty drawn by Drake Maye — while the running backs found big holes for much of the afternoon. That said, the running game was a bit streaky even before the team decided to mix up its personnel with the game already decided. | Grade: B+

Defensive line: Entering the game with sack leader Harold Landry sidelined because of a knee injury and with neither Milton Williams nor Khyiris Tonga available along the interior, the Patriots took down Jets quarterback Brady Cook only once. It did not matter, because they were still disruptive enough to make Cook’s like uncomfortable. They also held firm on the ground, despite giving up 164 yards on 28 carries: most of that production came when the game was already way out of hand. | Grade: A–

Linebacker: No Robert Spillane, no problem. While the rushing total mentioned above could have been a problem it really did not change the nature of the game: the Jets had only 50 yards on the ground at intermission, in large part because of the Jack Gibbens-led linebacker group making good reads at the second level and coming downhill quickly and decisively. | Grade: A

Cornerback: The Jets did some stat-padding in the second half and had a few positive plays against New England’s backups, but the first half was a no-contest — in large part because of a cornerback group shutting down the opposing wide receivers. Led by Pro Bowler Christian Gonzalez, the Patriots dominated in man-to-man situations and allowed Brady Cook to complete only a third of his attempts against man coverage. New York’s most dangerous receiver, Adonai Mitchell, was held to 22 yards on nine targets and three receptions. | Grade: A

Safety: Brady Cook entered Week 17 with a turnover-per-dropback rate of 5.8%, and it did not take him long to add to his tally. On just his third pass attempt of the day, he threw deep down the sideline only for Jaylinn Hawkins to come over for an easy interception. Hawkins and fellow starting safety Craig Woodson did not allow any deep passes and were actively involved in the blitz-heavy run plan. Both missed a tackle attempt, while backup run support was a bit too aggressive on Breece Hall’s long touchdown in the fourth quarter, but overall the performance was solid. | Grade: B+

Special teams: The Patriots’ return and coverage units played a solid game against what is a very competitive Jets unit, while both punter Bryce Baringer and kicker Andy Borregales positively contributed as well. That said, the latter missed his lone field goal attempt in the third quarter, hitting the right upright from 41 yards out, while New York was able to convert the firsts of its two fake punts in the same period. | Grade: B

All in all, the Patriots were the better team in virtually every area on Sunday. The grades above show it, and so does the lopsided final score: outside of a few minor hiccups here and there, they played a pretty flawless game.

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How would you grade the Patriots’ performance in Week 17? Do you agree with our assessment? Please head down to the comment section to discuss.

Source: https://www.patspulpit.com/new-england-patriots-opinion/117079/position-grades-nfl-week-17-jets

 

[New England Patriots]

Examining the roster ties between Patriots, Dolphins ahead of Week 18

The first win of head coach Mike Vrabel’s New England Patriots tenure arrived against the Miami Dolphins. Things have changed from September to January. Some personnel, too.

Two players who once called Hard Rock Stadium home currently find themselves at Gillette Stadium. Seven more on-field connections can be found on the other side of the AFC East.

Between the active rosters, practice squads and reserve lists, here’s a glance heading into Sunday’s 4:25 p.m. ET season finale in Foxborough.

MIAMI​

JaMycal Hasty, running back — Yet to become a standard elevation, Hasty has resided on the Dolphins’ practice squad since the week it formed in August. The 29-year-old running back got there after returning to the Patriots in the preseason and being let go at the NFL’s 53-man deadline. He initially headed to Foxborough as a waiver claim in 2023. And last campaign, Hasty appeared in 15 games for New England’s backfield, notching 20 carries for 69 yards, 10 catches for 59 yards and one touchdown. The vested veteran also averaged 23.8 yards per kickoff return. Undrafted via the Baylor Bears in 2020, Hasty made previous stops with the San Francisco 49ers and Jacksonville Jaguars and has appeared in 56 career contests.

Yodny Cajuste, offensive tackle — The Dolphins placed the 29-year-old Cajuste on injured reserve shortly after he signed in training camp. Originally entering the NFL in the third round of the 2019 draft, he spent four seasons with the Patriots through tours on injured reserve as well as the non-football injury list. The former West Virginia bookend saw action in 17 games along the way, starting a handful as a swing tackle, and finishing with 278 snaps on offense and 55 snaps on special teams. After being waived out of his restricted tender in 2023, Cajuste spent time with the New York Giants and New York Jets.

Cole Strange, guard — Strange has started 13 games at right guard for the Dolphins, handling 752 offensive snaps, good for 81 percent. It marks his third line since entering the NFL at pick No. 29 overall in the 2022 draft. The Chattanooga Mocs standout appeared in 30 games while with the Patriots. A torn patellar tendon resulted in 52 weeks missed. He started 27 games at left guard and another pair at center before having his fifth-year option declined in the spring. Subsequently waived at the league’s cutdown deadline, the 27-year-old briefly joined the practice squad of the Cleveland Browns. But Strange soon circled back to the AFC East for a place on the 53-man roster in Miami Gardens.

Jack Jones, cornerback — Jones has started all 16 games since joining Miami’s secondary as a free agent in July, tallying 73 tackles as well as two forced fumbles and one interception. The 28-year-old cornerback out of USC, Moorpark College and Arizona State had been waived by New England amid the 2023 campaign. His 18-game Patriots stint included 42 tackles, two interceptions, one touchdown as well as one forced fumble and one fumble recovery. Chosen in the fourth round of the 2022 class, Jones spent time on injured reserve, the suspended list and later had offseason gun charges dropped. He was awarded off waivers to the Las Vegas Raiders after leaving Foxborough, and went on to pick off five passes in the AFC West while returning three for touchdowns.

Joe Cardona, long snapper — Now 176 games into his NFL career, Cardona agreed to terms with the Dolphins in May after he was released by the club that filled out his card in the fifth round of the 2015 draft. The 33-year-old long snapper held the longest tenure at the time of his departure from the Patriots’ roster. His stay stretched 10 campaigns and Super Bowl LI and LIII rings. The Navy Midshipmen product appeared in 160 games in the regular season, handling 1,435 snaps on special teams along with 20 tackles and one forced fumble. He also took the field for 13 playoff games. Cardona occupies a spot on the franchise’s All-Dynasty team and was voted a team captain last year.

Jake Bailey, punter — Bailey visited and signed with the Dolphins after being released by the Patriots in 2023. The ex-Stanford Cardinal punter appeared in 58 games while in Foxborough dating back to his selection in the fifth round of the 2019 NFL draft. Pro Bowl and first-team All-Pro honors were earned before reaching a four-year contract extension. Yet after a back injury sent him to injured reserve as well as the suspended list in 2022, a grievance was filed. Since then, the 28-year-old Bailey has appeared in 50 games since joining Miami, averaging 47.2 yards per punt with longs of 64, 64 and 66.

Riley Patterson, kicker — Signed from the practice squad to the active roster after serving as a standard elevation, Patterson has converted on 26-of-28 field goals and 33-of-34 extra points for the Dolphins. A career-long 54-yard strike resides among them. The 26-year-old kicker stands 60 games into his NFL run. Back in 2021, after setting out with the Minnesota Vikings as an undrafted free agent, the Memphis Tigers product twice visited Gillette Stadium for workouts. Two months on the Patriots’ practice squad followed before Patterson agreed to depart for a 53-man roster spot with the Detroit Lions. He is now with his ninth different organization.

NEW ENGLAND​

Mack Hollins, wide receiver — Placed on injured reserve due to an abdomen injury last week, Hollins caught 46 passes for 550 yards and a pair of touchdowns through 15 games with the Patriots. The 32-year-old stood atop the wide receiver depth chart with 67.8 percent of the offensive snaps. He also worked in the kicking game and made a cameo in the prevent defense after signing a two-year contract in March. The 2017 fourth-round pick earned a Super Bowl LII ring as a member of the Philadelphia Eagles and was later claimed off waivers in Miami Gardens. A Dolphin from 2019 through 2021, Hollins served as a special teams captain before making stops with an additional three teams. The former North Carolina Tar Heel’s career has featured 208 receptions for 2,619 yards and 17 visits to the end zone across 127 appearances.

John Saunders Jr., safety — The Patriots retained Saunders on the practice squad in November after he cleared waivers. Prior to then, the 24-year-old rookie safety spent three weeks on the 53-man roster after being poached from within the division. Stepping into the NFL as an undrafted free agent by way of the Miami RedHawks and Ole Miss Rebels, Saunders recorded six tackles and interception with the Dolphins in preseason action. He began the regular season there as a member of the practice squad.

Source: https://www.patspulpit.com/new-engl...ts-dolphins-examining-roster-ties-nfl-week-18

 

[New England Patriots]

Patriots host pair of interior offensive linemen for workouts entering Week 18

Two interior offensive linemen visited Gillette Stadium to begin the final week of the regular season.

The New England Patriots hosted free agents Doug Kramer Jr. and Thomas Perry for workouts on Tuesday, per the NFL transaction wire.

Kramer, 27, entered the league with the Chicago Bears in the sixth round of the 2022 draft. The 6-foot-2, 300-pound Illinois product has also been a member of the Arizona Cardinals and Seattle Seahawks. In between arrived a second stint with the organization that filled out his card at pick No. 207 overall. He has handled 86 snaps on offense and 52 snaps on special teams in his 18-game career, working between center, guard and fullback.

Perry, 22, took part in rookie minicamp with the Baltimore Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers after going undrafted in 2025. The 6-foot-2, 316-pound former Middlebury guard earned first-team All-NESCAC honors in three consecutive seasons. Perry appeared in 34 career games, finishing with 30 consecutive starts. The Walter Camp Division III All-American saw reps at center at the 100th annual East-West Shrine Bowl, where he became his school’s first-ever attendee.

The Patriots currently carry an open spot on the practice squad following the promotion of defensive tackle Jeremiah Pharms Jr. to the 53-man roster. The 13-3 AFC East champions recently re-signed tight end Marshall Lang and released running back Jashaun Corbin from the group.

The Miami Dolphins visit Foxborough for the season finale on Sunday. Kickoff is set for 4:25 p.m. ET.

Source: https://www.patspulpit.com/new-engl...nemen-doug-kramer-jr-thomas-perry-nfl-week-18

 

[New England Patriots]

For Drake Maye, MVP consideration starts with team success

Entering Week 18, New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye sits as the odds-on favorite to win the NFL’s MVP award.

In a terrific sophomore season, Maye leads the league in EPA per play (+0.25), completion percentage (71.7%), QBR (76.5) and passer rating (112.9). That pairs with the 23-year-old totaling over 4,600 scrimmage yards and 30 passing touchdowns — plus four on the ground — to eight interceptions as his 13-win Patriots are back in the playoffs for the first time since 2021.

For Maye, however, the success comes from more than just him.

“Just an honor,” he said about being among the leading candidates. ”I’ve told everybody that has said some things in the locker room, ‘It’s us. It’s not just me, it’s us in the locker room.’ It’s really a team deal, I think. They say ‘player,’ but I think wins help that. So obviously, there’s been some great seasons around the league from a lot of players, and it’s an honor, but also at the same time, we’ve got work to do.“

Down the stretch of the season, Maye has entered a two-man race with Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford for the award. A three-interception loss on Monday Night Football by Stafford has propelled Maye into the favorite spot entering the last week of the regular season.

Maye, who has drawn comparisons to Stafford’s play-style early in his career, has been a fan of the 37-year gunslinger.

“Obviously, I saw him play here last year, and he was fun to watch,” Maye said. “I just watch him on tape a lot; we have some crossover games, and man, he’s special with the football. The way he throws it and how he fits in tight windows. His no-look, and he’s got some swagger. So, I’m a big fan of his game.

“I know we played him last year and talked to him briefly after the game, but no, I probably should have went up to him before the game. I’ve been a big fan of his for a long time. Just talk about natural throwers, any platform, any angle, he does it at a really high level, and it’s been fun watching him.”

While Maye leads Stafford in most statistics, many pundits have pointed to the Patriots weak schedule as a reason the award should ultimately reside in Los Angeles (even though Maye’s numbers are better against their six common opponents and against top-15 ranked pass defenses). The New England QB does not see that side of the argument.

“We play in the National Football League. Every team’s got great players that get paid a lot of money,” he said. “So, it’s not like we’re playing, shoot, Foxborough High School down the road. We play who’s on our schedule, and we can’t control that. Just trying to go out there and win. A lot of these teams that we do play are good, and they’re in the National Football League for a reason.”

Source: https://www.patspulpit.com/new-engl...903/drake-maye-mvp-consideration-team-success

 

[New England Patriots]

What Patriots’ newest roster addition brings to the team

After the New England Patriots made the final selection in the 2025 NFL Draft, VP of player personnel Eliot Wolf spoke with the local media to give insight into his team’s newest additions. When it was his turn to speak about cornerback Kobee Minor, it became clear that the team viewed his competitiveness as a highly valued trait.

Eight months later, that same competitiveness has helped Minor join the Patriots’ 53-man roster. On Thursday, ahead of New England’s regular season finale against the Miami Dolphins, he was promoted from the practice squad.

“Kobee works his tail off. An extreme competitor, which is why I love him,” said Patriots inside linebackers coach and acting defensive coordinator Zak Kuhr.

“He’s on the ‘dirty show,’ on the ‘dirty defense,’ giving the looks. He’s competing. He’s competing with everybody there. You know, Mack [Hollins], [Stefon] Diggs, whatever. He’s not backing down. He brings a decently physical style play at the corner position and he’s just gotten better throughout the year and throughout the weeks. So, I think it’s well deserved.”

Minor was the last player in this year’s draft to hear his name called, joining the Patriots as 2025’s Mr. Irrelevant. The volatile nature of his college career — he spent time at Texas Tech, Indiana and Memphis — likely contributed to almost falling through the cracks on draft day, but New England scooped him up at the 11th hour.

The 23-year-old failed to make it past roster cutdown day, but shortly thereafter found a home on the Patriots practice squad. He has resided there ever since, seeing game action on three separate occasions as a standard elevation.

Minor played 40 total snaps between defense and special teams, registering one tackle. Now part of the active roster, he might get additional opportunities to add to those numbers, and do what he has done going back to his college days: compete.

Source: https://www.patspulpit.com/new-engl...-roster-addition-signing-kobee-minor-analysis

 

[New England Patriots]

Patriots vs. Dolphins Thursday injury report: Hunter Henry, Christian Barmore join the limited

As the New England Patriots returned on New Year’s Day, so did tight end Hunter Henry and defensive tackle Christian Barmore.

Joining the limited, both starters were back at practice as Miami Dolphins prep continued inside the WIN Waste Innovations Field House. But fullback Jack Westover, guard Jared Wilson, defensive tackle Khyiris Tonga, as well as linebackers Harold Landry III and Robert Spillane remained non-participants.

Here’s the second injury report leading up to Sunday’s 4:25 p.m. ET season finale at Gillette Stadium.

DID NOT PARTICIPATE​

Patriots​

• FB Jack Westover (ankle)
• G Jared Wilson (concussion protocol)
• DT Khyiris Tonga (foot)
• LB Harold Landry III (knee)
• LB Robert Spillane (ankle)

Dolphins​

• RB De’Von Achane (shoulder)
• TE Darren Waller (groin)
• LB Jordyn Brooks (hamstring)
• S Minkah Fitzpatrick (calf)

After beginning the week with seven sidelined, the Patriots went forward with five sidelined. Wilson, Tonga, Landry and Spillane had all been ruled out ahead of what became a 42-10 win over the New York Jets last Sunday. But the visit to MetLife Stadium also ended without Westover due to an ankle injury that surfaced on a kickoff in the fourth quarter.

LIMITED PARTICIPATION​

Patriots​

• TE Hunter Henry (knee)
• DT Christian Barmore (illness)
• DT Milton Williams (ankle — IR return)
• CB Alex Austin (wrist — IR return)

Dolphins​

• WR Jaylen Waddle (ribs)
• G Aaron Brewer (neck)
• LB Chop Robinson (concussion protocol)
• K Jason Sanders (right hip — IR return)

The Patriots had four partial participants on hand. After catching his seventh touchdown and eclipsing 700 receiving yards for the first time in his NFL career, Henry missed practice on New Year’s Eve due to a knee injury. And across the line of scrimmage, Barmore, who is facing a domestic assault charge stemming from August, had also been absent due to an illness. Elsewhere, two players whose 21-day practice windows opened over the past week remained limited. Ankle and wrist injuries sent Williams and Austin to injured reserve in November. Both await activation.

FULL PARTICIPATION​

Patriots​

• WR Kayshon Boutte (concussion protocol)
• WR DeMario Douglas (hamstring)
• OT Will Campbell (knee — IR return)
• OT Morgan Moses (not injury related — rest)
• OT Thayer Munford Jr. (illness)
• LB K’Lavon Chaisson (illness)

Dolphins​

• OT Austin Jackson (back)
• LB K.J. Britt (groin)

Boutte went without a non-contact jersey after spending the past week in the NFL’s concussion protocol. The wide receiver has caught 31 passes for 527 yards and six touchdowns through 13 appearances this campaign. He was among six full participants for the Patriots as 2026 arrived. The No. 4 overall pick was, too. Campbell spent the past four games on injured reserve due to a knee injury. The rookie left tackle had been listed as limited to begin the week.

Source: https://www.patspulpit.com/new-engl...henry-christian-barmore-return-five-sidelined

 

[New England Patriots]

Patriots vs. Dolphins: Players to watch, stats, injuries for NFL Week 18

In each of the last two seasons, the New England Patriots entered their regular season finale already long eliminated from playoff contention. This year is different: at 13-3, the team of head coach Mike Vrabel has not just punched its postseason ticket but also is in contention for the No. 1 seed in the AFC.

In order to keep its slim chance of earning home-field advantage through the playoffs alive, New England will first need to take care of business against the Miami Dolphins — something Mike Vrabel’s team already did earlier in the year, celebrating a 33-27 win in Week 2. Sunday’s rematch in Foxborough, however, will feature a Dolphins team that will look significantly different to the one that suffered a home loss to the Patriots in September.

Dolphins key stats​

Owners of a 7-9 record, the Dolphins are already eliminated from playoff contention. Considering that they are a statistically mediocre team across the board, that is no surprise.

Record: 7-9 (3rd AFC East/10th AFC)
Scoring differential: -49 (21st)
Turnover differential: -2 (t-18th)
Offense: 21.1 points/game (22nd), 308.3 yards/game (25th), 22 giveaways (t-25th), -0.003 EPA/play (23rd), -0.003 EPA/dropback (26th), -0.003 EPA/run (8th)
Defense: 24.1 points/game (21st), 342.0 yards/game (21st), 20 takeaways (t-11th), 0.073 EPA/play (25th), 0.165 EPA/dropback (26th), -0.062 EPA/run (18th)

Most of the stats outlined above show a team that is at best middle of the pack. There are some exceptions, though, including Miami’s ability to run the ball: the Dolphins are not just ranked eighth in expected points added per run, but also fourth in yards per carry (4.9).

Meanwhile, their defense has been quite solid generating turnovers. The Dolphins are especially productive recovering fumbles, ranking third in the NFL (11).

Dolphins 2025 season​

If the Dolphins’ 2025 can be summed up in one word, it’s probably “streaky.” Miami struggled early in the season, starting 2-7 and looking destined for a top-5 selection in the draft. However, the team started rebounding halfway through the season to improve to come within one win of a .500 record.

Ultimately, though, that rebound came to late and removed all room for error. In Week 15, Miami was officially eliminated from the playoffs.

Week 1: 33-8 loss at Indianapolis Colts (0-1)
Week 2: 33-27 loss vs. New England Patriots (0-2)
Week 3: 31-21 loss at Buffalo Bills (0-3)
Week 4: 27-21 win vs. New York Jets (1-3)
Week 5: 27-24 loss at Carolina Panthers (1-4)
Week 6: 29-27 loss vs. Los Angeles Chargers (1-5)
Week 7: 31-6 loss at Cleveland Browns (1-6)
Week 8: 34-10 win at Atlanta Falcons (2-6)
Week 9: 28-6 loss vs. Baltimore Ravens (2-7)
Week 10: 30-13 win vs. Buffalo Bills (3-7)
Week 11: 16-13 (OT) win vs. Washington Commanders (4-7)
Week 12: Bye
Week 13: 21-17 win vs. New Orleans Saints (5-7)
Week 14: 34-10 win at New York Jets (6-7)
Week 15: 28-15 loss at Pittsburgh Steelers (6-8)
Week 16: 45-21 loss vs. Cincinnati Bengals (6-9)
Week 17: 20-17 win vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-9)

After losing to the Steelers, Miami was officially out of the playoff picture. Two days later, the team announced benching its starting quarterback, Tua Tagovailoa.

Dolphins active roster​

Roster up-to-date as of Jan. 2, 6 p.m. ET | *denotes nominal starter

Quarterback (4): Quinn Ewers* (14), Zach Wilson (0), Tua Tagovailoa* (1), Cam Miller (—)

Running back (5): De’Von Achane* (28), Jaylen Wright (5), Alec Ingold (30 | FB), Ollie Gordon II (31), Donovan Edwards (48)

Wide receiver (6): Jaylen Waddle* (17), Malik Washington* (6 | KR/PR), Cedrick Wilson Jr.* (19), Theo Wease Jr. (81), Tahj Washington (84), Nick Westbrook-Ikhine (18)

Tight end (2): Greg Dulcich* (85), Julian Hill (89)

Offensive tackle (4): Patrick Paul* (52 | LT), Austin Jackson* (73 | RT), Kendall Lamm (70), Larry Borom (79)

Interior offensive line (5): Jonah Savaiineaea* (72 | LG), Aaron Brewer* (55 | C), Cole Strange* (69 | RG), Daniel Brunskill (64), Andrew Meyer (60)

Interior defensive line (5): Zach Sieler* (92), Kenneth Grant* (90), Jordan Phillips (94), Zeek Biggers (93), Matthew Butler (91)

Defensive edge (5): Bradley Chubb* (2), Chop Robinson* (44), Quinton Bell (56), Cameron Goode (53)

Linebacker (5): Tyrel Dodson* (25), Jordyn Brooks* (20), Willie Gay Jr. (40), K.J. Britt (3), Jackson Woodard (42)

Cornerback (6): Jack Jones* (23), Rasul Douglas* (26), Jason Marshall Jr.* (33), Ethan Bonner (27), Ethan Robinson (38), A.J. Green III (24)

Safety (4): Minkah Fitzpatrick (29), Ashtyn Davis* (21), Ifeatu Melifonwu* (9), Dante Trader Jr. (11)

Specialists (3): Riley Patterson (47 | K), (Jake Bailey (16 | P/H), Joe Cardona (49 | LS)

As noted above, the Dolphins have undergone some dramatic changes since their last game against the Patriots in Week 2. The most notable among them is benching quarterback Tua Tagovailoa after playoff elimination.

In Tagovailoa’s place, the Dolphins have turned to rookie Quinn Ewers. In his two starts so far, the seventh-round draft pick went a combined 34-of-52 for 432 yards with a pair of touchdowns as well as two interceptions, leading his team to a 1-1 record.

On paper, Ewers’ top two weapons will be running back De’Von Achane and wide receiver Jaylen Waddle, who are ranked first and second on the team with a respective 67 and 64 receptions. However, Achane is doubtful for Sunday because of a foot injury, while Waddle is questionable with a rib issue.

If the two are unable to go, New England’s job will be an easier one. The projected replacements atop the running back and wide receiver depth charts — Jaylen Wright and Ollie Gordon as well as Malik Washington — are capable players but lack the same home run ability.

On defense, the Dolphins decided to move on from starting edge Jaelan Phillips at the trade deadline and also parted ways with ex-Patriot Matthew Judon in mid-December. They still have some disruptive potential across their front seven, though, with outside linebacker Bradley Chubb (8.5 sacks), interior lineman Zach Sieler (5.5) and linebacker Tyrel Dodson (5.0) all capable of making life hard on opposing quarterbacks.

While Miami’s front has some solid individual pieces, the backend continues to be an issue. Safety Minkah Fitzpatrick will not play on Sunday due to a calf injury, while the cornerback group has been hit hard by injury.

Dolphins reserves​

Practice squad (15): RB JaMycal Hasty (37), RB Jeff Wilson Jr. (34), WR A.J. Henning (88), TE Chris Myarick (86), TE Hayden Rucci (87), OT Kadeem Telfort (75), OL Josh Priebe (68), OL Kion Smith (71), DT Alex Huntley (96), DT Simeon Barrow Jr. (89), ED Andre Carter II (50), ED Derrick McLendon (59), LB Jimmy Ciarlo (45), LB K.C. Ossai (57), S Jack Henderson (41)

Practice squad international (1): OT Roy Mbaetaka

Practice squad/reserve (1): CB Kendall Sheffield

Injured reserve (20): RB Alexander Mattison, WR D’Wayne Eskridge, WR Tyreek Hill, TE Jalin Conyers, TE Darren Waller, OT Yodny Cajuste, OT Obinna Eze, OT Germain Ifedi, OL James Daniels, DT Benito Jones, LB Jordan Colbert, LB Caleb Johnson, CB JuJu Brents, CB Artie Burns, CB Storm Duck, CB Isaiah Johnson, CB Kader Kohou, CB Jason Maitre, S Elijah Campbell, K Jason Sanders (IR-R)

Physically unable to perform (1): OL Liam Eichenberg

Numbers-wise, few teams in the NFL have been hit quite as hard by injury as the Dolphins: between IR and PUP, the Dolphins are down 22 players. Among them are the aforementioned Tyreek Hill as well as an entire depth chart full of cornerbacks.

Dolphins coaching staff​

Head coach: Mike McDaniel

Coordinators: Frank Smith (OC), Anthony Weaver (DC), Craig Aukerman (ST)

Halfway through the 2025 season, Mike McDaniel’s future as Dolphins head coach appeared to be in serious doubt. Now, with one game to go, it looks like he might be coming back for 2026. Whether the same will be true for his assistants remains to be seen.

Source: https://www.patspulpit.com/new-engl...-record-injuries-players-to-watch-nfl-week-18

 

[New England Patriots]

Patriots vs. Dolphins Friday injury report: Four ruled out for finale

The New England Patriots will close out the regular season without four.

Guard Jared Wilson, defensive tackle Khyiris Tonga, as well as linebackers Harold Landry III and Robert Spillane have been ruled out for the finale against the Miami Dolphins, head coach Mike Vrabel announced.

Here’s the rest of the game statuses leading up to Sunday’s 4:25 p.m. ET kickoff at Gillette Stadium.

OUT​

Patriots​

• G Jared Wilson (concussion protocol)
• DT Khyiris Tonga (foot)
• LB Harold Landry III (knee)
• LB Robert Spillane (ankle)

Dolphins​

• S Minkah Fitzpatrick (calf)

New England’s rookie left guard will remain in the NFL’s concussion protocol for a second Sunday in a row. And across the ball, three March signings will stay sidelined until the playoffs. The all-purpose Tonga has not practiced since sustaining a foot injury against the Baltimore Ravens. Knee and ankle injuries have also kept defensive captains shelved off the edges and off the ball.

Landry leads team with 8.5 sacks, 19 quarterback hits and 10 tackles for loss. As for Spillane, who played his most recent snaps as the calendar turned to December, he leads the way with 97 tackles while also having a hand in one sack, one forced fumble and two interceptions. The inside linebacker joined the partial participants during Friday’s practice.

DOUBTFUL​

Patriots​

• No players listed

Dolphins​

• RB De’Von Achane (shoulder)

Miami’s Pro Bowl running back remained a non-participant from Wednesday through Friday before being listed as doubtful with a shoulder injury. Through 16 starts this campaign, Achane has amassed 1,838 yards and a dozen touchdowns from scrimmage.

QUESTIONABLE​

Patriots​

• FB Jack Westover (ankle)
• CB Charles Woods (foot)

Dolphins​

• WR Jaylen Waddle (ribs)
• OT Austin Jackson (back)
• G Aaron Brewer (neck)
• LB Chop Robinson (concussion protocol)
• LB Jordyn Brooks (hamstring)
• LB Quinton Bell (illness)
• K Jason Sanders (right hip — IR return)

Westover was sidelined for the Patriots on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day due to an ankle injury that arose in the fourth quarter last weekend. The fullback moves forward as questionable, along with a member of the cornerback depth chart, after practicing in a limited capacity on Friday.

But additional calls loom without game designations. When asked whether offensive tackle Will Campbell or defensive tackle Milton Williams will be activated in time for the finale, New England’s head coach provided optimism.

“We’ll see how they respond to today’s work. Try to get them a full week of work in,” Vrabel said of the full participants. “But I think it looks good. Both were able to work the whole week, and we’ll see where they’re at tomorrow.”

Both have resided on injured reserve with respective knee and ankle injuries since November, yet have seen their 21-day windows open in consecutive weeks, along with cornerback Alex Austin. The AFC East champions currently stand with an active roster of 52. The deadline for Week 18 moves arrives Saturday at 4 p.m. ET.

Source: https://www.patspulpit.com/new-engl...yiris-tonga-harold-landry-robert-spillane-out

 

[New England Patriots]

What activating Will Campbell, Milton Williams means for the Patriots

The stage had already been set, but on Sunday it finally became official. On the eve of their regular season finale against the Miami Dolphins, the New England Patriots activated offensive tackle Will Campbell and defensive tackle Milton Williams to their 53-man roster. Both had spent the last few weeks on injured reserve.

With the two now back in the mix, let’s assess what the moves mean for the Patriots.

OT Will Campbell: Activated to 53-man roster​

Blindside protector is back: The Patriots invested the fourth overall selection in this year’s draft in Will Campbell, and he immediately was inserted at the left tackle spot. The rookie has not looked back since, and despite the occasional teachable moment has provided a high quality of play as quarterback Drake Maye’s blindside protector before hurting his knee in Week 12 against Cincinnati. To his credit, backup Vederian Lowe also played decently in his four games filling in for Campbell, but the youngster’s upside and athletic ability simply trumps what the more experienced Lowe has to offer. The Patriots are better with him in the lineup.

Starting-5 almost back together again: Campbell returning puts New England one step closer to finally fielding its regular starting offensive line again. However, that will not yet happen against the Dolphins: left guard Jared Wilson remains in concussion protocol and has been ruled out for Sunday; in his place, Ben Brown will make his fourth start of the season and second playing next to Campbell.

Getting the feet wet: Campbell returned to practice on Wednesday, and was a participant for all three sessions this week plus Saturday’s walkthrough. Passing all the appropriate checks along the way, he has now been cleared for a return to game action — something that is expected to take place versus Miami. This, in turn, gives the young lineman a chance to get some live game reps in before the Patriots’ first playoff game the following weekend or, less likely, the weekend after. That, of course, is also true for Milton Williams.

Game day shuffle: With Campbell back on the 53-man roster, the Patriots now have five offensive tackles on their active team. They will not be able to make all of them active for game day, however. Campbell, of course, is a game day lock, as is right-side starter Morgan Moses. The spots behind them belong to the aforementioned Vederian Lowe and, based on the last few weeks, Thayer Munford Jr. However, with only so many spots available, the latter might be on the fringe and could possibly join Marcus Bryant on the list of healthy scratches depending on the situation. That said, it would not be a surprise if New England played it safe against Miami and went with four OTs.

DT Milton Williams: Activated to 53-man roster​

Improved defensive tackle depth: New England’s interior defensive line struggled with personnel stability over the last few weeks, which makes Williams’ return all the more important. With him back in the fold, the Patriots now have a group of Williams, Christian Barmore, Khyiris Tonga, Cory Durden and Eric Gregory on the 53-man team, plus Leonard Taylor and Fabien Lovett on the practice squad. Tonga, however, is out this week because of a foot injury (Taylor has been elevated to take his spot on the game day squad). Williams being present, however, softens the blow of Tonga’s absence.

Trickle-down effect: Ever since joining the Patriots on a four-year, $104 million free agency deal in March, Williams has been a crucial part of the team’s defensive operation. In fact, he has a “rising tide lifting all boats” presence along the defensive line: with him in the mix, the team as a whole instantly becomes more disruptive against the run and from a pass rush perspective.

Fearsome twosome back together again: The individual player to benefit the most from Williams’ comeback might be fellow interior lineman Christian Barmore. Over the last five weeks, Barmore still had some flashes but teams were able to hone in on him particularly in the running game; as the biggest problem for opposing offenses up front, he was treated accordingly. Now, however, that problem has taken on a new dimension and again forces teams to pick their poison between Williams and Barmore.

DT Jeremiah Pharms Jr: Waived from 53-man roster​

Subject to waivers: Just a week after getting signed to New England’s active roster, Pharms Jr. has been removed from it again. That process happened via the waiver system, meaning that he is subject to being claimed by any team now. Only if he passes through the wire will he become a free agent able to choose his landing spot — including returning to New England.

Practice squad candidate: The Patriots retaining Pharms Jr. via their practice squad if he clears waivers would make plenty of sense. He does provide experienced depth at a position that suffered some losses over the last few weeks, and once the playoffs start will be eligible to be elevated to the game day roster again: after three elevations in the regular season, the count will reset come postseason time, meaning he could be brought up again to bolster the depth behind Milton Williams and Christian Barmore.

Still getting paid: Even though Pharms Jr. will neither be on the Patriots’ roster nor their practice squad for the game against Miami, the NFL-NFLPA Collective Bargaining Agreement ensures that he is still getting paid as if on the 53-man roster. This means that he will soon get a paycheck worth $57,222 for Week 18.

Source: https://www.patspulpit.com/new-engl...s-activated-nfl-week-18-dolphins-nfl-playoffs

 

[New England Patriots]

Patriots vs. Dolphins: Who has the edge in NFL Week 18?

The New England Patriots’ season is far from over, but they will close the book on its first chapter on Sunday. Hosting the Miami Dolphins at Gillette Stadium, the team of head coach Mike Vrabel will play its final regular season game of the year — one that could end up having major playoff implications.

Before any of that comes into play, however, the Patriots need to take care of business and win a second game against their division rivals this season. They should be able to do so, not just because they are entering the game as 11.5-point favorites: as a look at our head-to-head comparison between the two teams shows, New England is simply the better of the two squads at the moment.

Passing game​

Patriots pass offense vs. Dolphins pass defense: Coming off a five-touchdown performance against the New York Jets, MVP favorite Drake Maye will be going up against another suspect pass defense on Sunday. The Dolphins, after all, are ranked in the bottom third in several statistical categories related both to coverage and pass rush. And even though New England will not be at full strength — WR Mack Hollins (IR) and LG Jared Wilson are both out — they should still be able to move the ball well against Miami, particularly with two starters returning as well: left tackle Will Campbell is back and so is wideout Kayshon Boutte. All in all, this is a favorable matchup for Maye and company. | Edge: Patriots

Patriots pass defense vs. Dolphins pass offense: Similar to their pass defense, the Dolphins pass offense has also been uneven this year — to a point that Tua Tagovailoa was benched after the team was officially eliminated from playoff contention in Week 15. Since then, seventh-round draft pick Quinn Ewers has served as the team’s QB1. Ewers has been solid, ranking 16th among qualifying quarterbacks in EPA per play over the last two weeks (0.059). That being said, he is still a rookie going against a defense capable of throwing different coverage looks and pressure packages at him. Until he shows he can produce consistently in such an environment, we are giving the advantage to New England’s defense. | Edge: Patriots

Running game​

Patriots rushing offense vs. Dolphins run defense: The sample size is relatively small, but still: the Patriots are ranked third in the NFL in EPA per run play since their Week 14 bye (0.171). The eye test confirms this; New England’s ground game has performed well recently and with both Rhamondre Stevenson and TreVeyon Henderson available. On Sunday, the group will go up against a Dolphins defense that has been up and down versus the run this year, and over the same three-week period is ranked 23rd in EPA (0.042). With Miami likely worried about the pass game, Stevenson and Henderson might be finding some openings. | Edge: Patriots

Patriots run defense vs. Dolphins rushing offense: We originally considered giving the edge to Miami in this matchup, but two developments this week made us change our mind. The first was Patriots defensive tackle Milton Williams upping his workload in practice and eventually being activated off of injured reserve; his presence should help shore up a run defense that was leaky at time over the last few weeks. Even more consequential for the matchup, however, might be running back De’Von Achane’s injury status. Achane is the Dolphins’ lead running back, and responsible for 68% of their rushing yards as well as a team-leading 1,838 scrimmage yards and 12 touchdowns this season. Him being doubtful because of a shoulder ailment gives New England a slight edge, in our estimation. | Edge: Patriots

Special teams​

The Patriots and Dolphins are relatively evenly matched in the kicking game, but the visitors have still performed better across the board so far in 2025. New England might have a statistical edge in kickoff coverage and with Marcus Jones as one of the league’s most explosive punt returners, but Miami has them out-performed in most other important categories — from field goal and extra point percentage, to yards per punt, to missed tackles. | Edge: Dolphins

Coaching​

Mike Vrabel and company have been rock-solid preparing their team and making in-game decisions so far this season, allowing New England to reach 13 wins in their first 16 games so far. Their 17th will see them go up against an experienced staff led by a head coach, Mike McDaniel, in his fourth year at the job. However, unlike in the past, McDaniel and company did not seem to have answers at the ready at all times. | Edge: Patriots

Verdict​

As can be seen, the Patriots should be able to handle their business on Sunday and come away victoriously against their AFC East rivals for a second time this season. That being said, while we are giving the home team the edge in most of our categories, the Dolphins are more than capable of putting up a fight. Not only do division games tend to follow their own rules at times, Miami also still has players capable of making an impact on the contest — even though not all of them will be available on Sunday.

Source: https://www.patspulpit.com/new-engl...933/dolphins-comparison-advantage-nfl-week-18

 

[New England Patriots]

NFL playoff schedule: Patriots vs. Chargers date and time announced

Wrapping up the regular season with a dominant 38-10 win over the Miami Dolphins, the New England Patriots have learned the date and time for their playoff opener.

As was announced by the NFL on Sunday night, the AFC East champions will be hosting the Los Angeles Chargers at Gillette Stadium on Sunday, Jan. 11 at 8 p.m. ET.

The wild card game will mark New England’s first home playoff contest since the 2019 season, when the team went one-and-done against a Tennessee Titans squad coached by Mike Vrabel. Since then, it only returned to the postseason once, a 47-17 beatdown at the hands of the Buffalo Bills to end the 2021 campaign.

Four years later, the Patriots have not just punched their ticket to the postseason again but also earned the right to open the tournament in Foxborough. They did so by finishing the regular season with a 14-3 record, tied for best in the AFC, and only missing out on the top seed to the Denver Broncos because of the common games tiebreaker.

The second-seeded Patriots will therefore enter the postseason next weekend, and in a prime time slot.

---

The full schedule for NFL wild card weekend looks as follows:

Saturday, Jan. 10​

4:30 p.m. ET: 5 Los Angeles Rams at 4 Carolina Panthers: 4:30 p.m. ET (FOX, FOX Deportes)

8 p.m. ET: 7 Green Bay Packers at 2 Chicago Bears (Prime Video)

Sunday, Jan. 11​

1 p.m. ET: 6 Buffalo Bills at 3 Jacksonville Jaguars (CBS, Paramount+)

4:30 p.m. ET: 6 San Francisco 49ers at 3 Philadelphia Eagles (FOX, FOX Deportes)

8 p.m. ET 7 Los Angeles Chargers at 2 New England Patriots (NBC, Peacock, Universo)

Monday, Jan. 12​

8 p.m. ET: 5 Houston Texans at 4 Baltimore/Pittsburgh (ESPN/ABC)

Source: https://www.patspulpit.com/new-engl...schedule-chargers-date-time-kickoff-wild-card

 

[New England Patriots]

Patriots vs. Dolphins: The good, the bad, the s—t that gets you beat

Ahead of this year’s training camp, New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel explained that he was looking at his team’s performances in three distinct categories. There is the good, the bad, and, as he called it, the s—t that gets you beat.

The Patriots’ 38-10 win over the Miami Dolphins on Sunday featured a lot of the first. Still, if the coach wants to look at his team through all three of those categories, who are we to disagree? Let’s break down the regular season finale in exactly that manner.

The good: Run game dominance​

Facing off against a Dolphins defense that has had its issues against both the pass and the run this season, the Patriots decided for an even approach. They called 29 dropbacks and 27 runs, finding success in both areas.

That said, the run game in particular stood out. Not counting two Joshua Dobbs kneel-downs to end the game, the Patriots gained 245 yards and scored four touchdowns on 32 combined designed runs and quarterback scrambles. New England averaged a massive 7.7 yards per run, and finished with 0.20 expected points added (94th percentile) and a 56% success rate (95th percentile).

“You’d better be able to do that in the tournament, and you’d better be able to take care of the football,” said Mike Vrabel about his team’s success on the ground.

“You’d better be able to create some turnovers, and you have to have efficient quarterback play. That’s no secret. And you’re going to have to execute in situations like we did at the end of the half, whether that be at the end of the half or the end of the game to get some points. That’s what it comes down to.”

A majority of the Patriots’ rushing yards came via three players, running backs Rhamondre Stevenson and TreVeyon Henderson as well as quarterback Drake Maye. Maye finished with 41 yards, Henderson with 53 and a couple of scores, and Stevenson with 132 and two touchdowns — his most productive day on the ground since the 2022 season.

While the opponent was anything but stout, the Patriots’ run game as a whole has started hitting its stride lately. With the playoffs coming up, that is good news for the team and its offense.

The bad: More field goal miscues​

New England’s special teams operation had its highs and lows throughout the season, and Sunday was more of the same. While the Patriots received some solid contributions from its coverage units as well as punter Bryce Baringer, they also had another problem in the field goal department.

After Andy Borregales hit the right upright on his lone attempt last week against the New York Jets, he hit the arms of Dolphins rusher Zach Sieler in the second quarter on Sunday. Of course, that miss was not on him but the protection up front: New England’s blocking on the left side was not up to the task, allowing Siegler to find a crease and disrupt the kick.

The Patriots were able to prevent Miami from returning the block for a touchdown, but the damage was still substantial. Unsurprisingly, Mike Vrabel was not happy about it.

“I’m just frustrated with the blocked field goal,” he said after the game. “We went all 17 weeks, and all we did was become the 38th or 39th blocked field goal in the NFL this year.”

For the Patriots, improving the field goal operation has to be a priority. Points are at a premium in the playoffs, and leaving three on the board could end up as the difference between the season continuing or ending when all is said and done.

The s—t that gets you beat: Another slow defensive start​

Despite going up against a seventh-round rookie quarterback making only his third start in the NFL, the Patriots defense once again looked suspect early on in the game. The unit led by acting defensive coordinator Zak Kuhr allowed Quinn Ewers and company to drive deep into the red zone on its first two drives, which could have changed the nature of the game entirely.

To its credit, when it did bend, the Patriots defense rarely broke; outside of a touchdown on Miami’s second drive as well as a field goal in the second quarter, the visitors failed to get on the board. Part of it was due to opportunistic play, with New England registering a pair of turnovers and a fourth down stop to end the Dolphins’ first possession at the 8-yard line.

Still, the Patriots’ defensive issues early in games rose their ugly head once again. Against a superior opponent, such as a the Los Angeles Chargers, another slow start could end up fatal.

Source: https://www.patspulpit.com/new-england-patriots-opinion/118283/good-bad-ugly-dolphins-nfl-week-18

 

[New England Patriots]

Mike Vrabel makes MVP case for Drake Maye after standout season

Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel had a simple response when asked if Drake Maye is the most valuable player in the NFL this season.

“Yes, he is,” the coach said.

Vrabel has supported his quarterback’s MVP campaign down the stretch of the season and added context to Maye’s case on Monday.

“He’s extremely accurate. He’s made the most of every passing opportunity,” he explained. “We’ve created a lot of X plays, and to create X plays it’s about 30 percent scheme, it’s about 70 percent of the players making a play and part of that is the quarterback putting it in a great location for run after catch. I think you continue to see that.”

Maye ended the regular season first among quarterbacks with a 72 percent completion percentage, the sixth-highest mark in NFL history and the best in Patriots franchise history surpassing Tom Brady.

That accuracy did not come at the expense of explosive plays downfield either, as Maye’s 8.9 yards per attempt also ranked first in the league.

While Maye’s top competition, Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford, finished the season with more touchdown passes (46) and passing yards (4,707), New England’s young gunslinger bested the veteran in most other advanced metrics. That includes EPA per drop back (+0.25), QBR (77.2), and passer rating (113.5), all of which led the league.

As Vrabel went on to note, the 23-year old also adds value as a rusher, finishing the season with 450 yards and four touchdowns on the ground.

“His ability to extend, use his legs to gain first downs, critical first downs. His ability to score when we’ve asked him to score and run it in,” Vrabel said. “He’s been everything that we’ve asked and he continues to get better. He’s not satisfied.”

Maye’s rise to MVP level play has propelled the 14-win Patriots back into the playoff picture for the first time since 2021. With Maye under center, the Patriots believe they can go on a long postseason run which begins with a Wild Card matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers.

“I know that our success of where we are right now, today, has a lot to do with Drake Maye,“ Vrabel said.

Source: https://www.patspulpit.com/new-engl...mvp-case-for-drake-maye-after-standout-season

 

[JJ]

OH LOOK THE PATS FANS ARE OUT HERE WRITING NOVELS ABOUT THEIR PLAYOFF HOPES

Listen, I'll give credit where it's due - Drake Maye has been absolutely balling this year. 72% completion rate? That's legit. Kid can play. But let's pump the brakes on the MVP talk when Josh Allen is RIGHT THERE putting up monster numbers while carrying Buffalo through another season.

And yeah yeah, 14-3 is impressive, but let's see how that translates when you're actually facing playoff-caliber defenses. The Dolphins are a dumpster fire this year - congrats on beating up on Quinn Ewers and a team that already quit on their season.

That blocked field goal though? In the playoffs that's the kind of stuff that ends seasons REAL QUICK. Vrabel knows it too based on his comments. Special teams miscues in January are death sentences.

Here's the thing that actually concerns me as a Bills fan - you guys hosting the Chargers in the Wild Card round is a pretty favorable matchup. Maye running around extending plays against that LA defense could be trouble. But I still think if we meet up later in the bracket, Allen's gonna remind everyone who the REAL MVP of the AFC East is.

Good luck against the Chargers though. Gonna need it.

GO BILLS

 

[New England Patriots]

NFL assigns referee for Patriots vs. Chargers wild card game

The New England Patriots will enter the NFL playoffs on Sunday night against the Los Angeles Chargers, and they will do so under the watchful eye of Ron Torbert. As was announced by the NFL, Torbert has been assigned referee for the wild card matchup.

Officiating website Football Zebras had to say the following about the 62-year-old.

The Sunday night game in Foxborough will have Ron Torbert at referee, who is in his 16th season and 12th as referee. This is Torbert’s 15th postseason assignment, including 5 Wild Card Playoffs, 7 Divisional Playoffs, a Conference Championship, and Super Bowls LVI and LIX. Both of his Super Bowl assignments were as a referee.

Since becoming a referee in 2014, Torbert has called 12 Patriots games. They are 7-5 in those contests, including 41-28 win a over the Chargers in the 2018 divisional playoff round and a 27-24 victory against the same opponent during the 2021 season.

Also among the Patriots games Torbert has officiated so far in his career is a 20-13 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders to start this year’s regular season. In that particular game, New England was flagged nine times resulting in a loss of 70 yards; the Raiders were penalized a total of 12 times, with nine flags accepted for a total yardage of 81.

On the year, Torbert has officiated 16 games with 205 accepted penalties and 255 total flags thrown. By far his most-called penalties this season are offensive holding and false start with 43 and 40 infractions, respectively.

The full crew for Sunday’s game, which as usual for the postseason is an all-star ensemble, looks as follows (original crew of each member in parenthesis):

R 62 Ron Torbert

U 54 Steve Woods (Clay Martin)

DJ 84 Jay Bilbo (Shawn Smith)

LJ 75 Mark Stewart (Scott Novak)

FJ 25 Ryan Dickson (Ron Torbert)

SJ 7 Keith Washington (Ron Torbert)

BJ 82 Jimmy Russell (Shawn Hochuli)

Replay official: Mike Wimmer

Replay assistant: Artenzia Young-Seigler

Alternates: Scott Novak (R), Terry Killens (U), Kent Payne (LJ), Anthony Jeffries (SJ), Terrence Miles (BJ)

Kickoff between the Patriots and Chargers at Gillette Stadium has been scheduled for 8 p.m. ET on Sunday, Jan. 11.

Source: https://www.patspulpit.com/new-engl...wild-card-game-referee-assignment-ron-torbert

 

[New England Patriots]

Cardinals request head coach interview with Patriots assistant

While the New England Patriots are gearing up for a playoff run, other teams around the NFL have begun the process of rebuilding. Among them are the Arizona Cardinals, who have set their sights on a member of the Patriots’ coaching staff.

According to a report by Cameron Wolfe of NFL Network, the team has requested to interview tight ends coach/passing game coordinator Thomas Brown for its vacant head coaching position.

Brown, 39, joined the Patriots last offseason alongside head coach Mike Vrabel. Working alongside offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, he has helped lead one of the most effective passing attacks in the NFL. During the regular season, New England ranked in the top five in multiple statistical categories while quarterback Drake Maye emerged as a realistic MVP candidate.

New England’s tight end group, meanwhile, has been rock solid all year. Hunter Henry is playing arguably the best football of his career, while Austin Hooper has also been a valuable contributor as the Patriots’ TE2.

His success in New England is likely not the only reason why Brown is drawing head coaching interest, though. Before getting hired by the Patriots, he already built an impressive résumé.

A former NFL running back who was selected by the Falcons in the sixth round of the 2008 draft, Brown has been on the staffs of the Rams, Panthers and Bears between 2020 and 2024. The Super Bowl LVI champion served as offensive coordinator in both Carolina and Chicago, and was even elevated to interim head coach following the firing of Bears HC Matt Eberflus during the 2024 campaign.

Per NFL rules, Brown can conduct his first virtual interview with the Cardinals after the Patriots’ wild card playoff game against the Los Angeles Chargers. The earliest date to do so is Jan. 13, with in-person interviews not permitted until Jan. 19.

Source: https://www.patspulpit.com/new-engl...als-request-head-coach-interview-thomas-brown

 

[New England Patriots]

Patriots running back Rhamondre Stevenson named AFC Offensive Player of the Week

Rhamondre Stevenson closed out the regular season with seven carries and two catches last Sunday at Gillette Stadium.

And with recognition from the NFL.

The New England Patriots running back has been named AFC Offensive Player of the Week following his performance against the Miami Dolphins.

Week 18 Offensive Player of the Week: @dreeday32 pic.twitter.com/EdGqBWpbx6

— z – New England Patriots (@Patriots) January 7, 2026

Stevenson, 27, amassed a season-high 153 offensive yards and a career-high three touchdowns during what became a 38-10 win for the AFC East champions. By ground, No. 38 broke off 131 rushing yards and a pair of visits to the end zone. By air, he added 22 receiving yards and another score on a sluggo route.

Longs of 56 and 35 yards were among them for Stevenson. The starting back would be the lone player around the league to log three touchdowns from scrimmage in Week 18. He finished with 104 rushing yards over expectation, per Next Gen Stats, and was charted by Pro Football Focus for forcing four missed tackles on his handoffs.

“Always excited for our players,” Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel said during his Wednesday press conference. “I sound like a broken record, but I think he continued to do the things that we needed him to do to help us win. And in turn, he was rewarded for it with touchdowns, with rushing yards, with a big catch there. But also, he protected the quarterback. I’m excited and happy for him.”

It marks the first weekly honor for the No. 120 overall pick in the 2021 NFL draft. A former transfer from Cerritos College to the University of Oklahoma, Stevenson checks in as the first Sooners product to win AFC or NFC Offensive Player of the Week this campaign. He joins nine-time winner Adrian Peterson and four-time winner Joe Mixon in the school’s archives at running back.

Between all three phases, Stevenson is also the sixth different member of the Patriots to get such a call this season.

The conference’s No. 2 seed was previously represented by kickoff returner Antonio Gibson in Week 2, punt returner Marcus Jones in Week 4, outside linebacker K’Lavon Chaisson in Week 7, kicker Andy Borregales in Week 12 and quarterback Drake Maye in Week 13.

The Los Angeles Chargers visit Foxborough on Sunday. Kickoff is set for 8 p.m. ET.

Source: https://www.patspulpit.com/new-engl...son-afc-offensive-player-nfl-week-18-dolphins

 

[New England Patriots]

Patriots vs. Chargers Wednesday injury report: Jared Wilson among New England’s seven limited

The New England Patriots had Jared Wilson back on hand to begin the postseason.

The rookie left guard, who missed consecutive starts while in the NFL’s concussion protocol, wore a red non-contact jersey during Wednesday’s work on the Los Angeles Chargers. Sack leader Harold Landry III and tackle leader Robert Spillane were also present after both defensive captains finished the final weeks of the regular season among the inactives.

Seven in all were limited in Foxborough, while a handful stayed sidelined.

Here’s the first injury report ahead of Sunday’s 8 p.m. ET wild card at Gillette Stadium.

DID NOT PARTICIPATE​

Patriots​

• OT Morgan Moses (illness)
• OT Vederian Lowe (illness)
• C Garrett Bradbury (illness)
• DT Khyiris Tonga (foot)
• LB Anfernee Jennings (illness)

Chargers​

• RB Omarion Hampton (ankle)
• WR Keenan Allen (not injury related — rest)
• WR KeAndre Lambert-Smith (hamstring)
• OT Austin Deculus (oblique)
• LB Khalil Mack (not injury related — rest)
• LB Bud Dupree (hamstring)
• LB Del’Shawn Phillips (hamstring)
• S Kendall Williamson (ankle)

Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel said during his Wednesday press conference that a sickness going around the locker room would keep four veterans away from practice. But in addition to Moses, Lowe, Bradbury and Jennings, the non-participants for the AFC’s No. 2 seed went on to still include Tonga. The offseason award winner and all-purpose nose tackle hasn’t practiced since being ruled out with a foot injury on Dec. 21.

LIMITED PARTICIPATION​

Patriots​

• TE Hunter Henry (not injury related — rest)
• OT Thayer Munford Jr. (knee)
• G Jared Wilson (concussion protocol)
• LB Harold Landry III (knee)
• LB Robert Spillane (ankle)
• LB Jack Gibbens (elbow)
• CB Alex Austin (wrist — IR return)

Chargers​

• G Jamaree Salyer (hamstring)
• CB Donte Jackson (ankle)
• S Elijah Molden (hamstring)

Rest was due for Henry on Wednesday. The captain at tight end started every game in the regular season on the way to catching 60 passes for a career-high 768 yards and a team-high seven touchdowns. But New England’s partial participants would also include several ramp-ups. Wilson has handled 71.7 percent of the offensive snaps since arriving on the interior line at pick No. 95 overall last spring. And despite missing back-to-back games with a knee injury to end the slate, Landry managed to finish atop the Patriots with 8.5 sacks and 19 quarterback hits. The outside linebacker also tied for the team lead with 10 tackles for loss. As for Spillane, who made his return to practice as a limited participant last Friday, the inside linebacker hasn’t played a down since sustaining an ankle injury on Dec. 1.

FULL PARTICIPATION​

Patriots​

• No players listed

Chargers​

• QB Justin Herbert (left hand)
• TE Tucker Fisk (ankle — IR return)

No Patriots dealing with ailments opened the week of the wild card in full. But the Chargers had a pair go in that capacity, including Herbert, who is just over a month removed from undergoing surgery to repair a fracture in his left hand. The two-time Pro Bowl quarterback did not appear in last weekend’s finale as the AFC’s No. 7 seed locked in.

Source: https://www.patspulpit.com/new-engl...-wilson-harold-landry-robert-spillane-limited

 

[New England Patriots]

Patriots highlight ‘special player’ ahead of Chargers wild card game

The New England Patriots did not stand a chance the last time they faced off against the Los Angeles Chargers, getting blown out 40-7 in front of their home crowd in December 2024. While a lot has changed in the 12-plus months since, one thing has not:

Derwin James remains a problem.

The 29-year-old safety was a menace against the Patriots last season, registering a pair of sacks as well as a fumble recovery. Naturally, New England is putting him in the spotlight heading into its wild card playoff game against L.A. coming up on Sunday night.

“I think he’s got really good instincts when he blitzes, whether to go inside or go outside,” said head coach Mike Vrabel on Wednesday. “I think he has a passion; there’s a love for football; there’s a play demeanor. He’s a very good tackler. He can cover. He matches up. He has versatility to play down, close to the line of scrimmage. He can play in the deeper part of the field.”

“Derwin James is probably as good of a unique defensive piece that we’ve played all year,” added offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels on Thursday. “He plays safety, linebacker, nickel, he blitzes, he’s down there in the front, he’ll line up in the A-gaps. He’s a special player.”

James entered the NFL as a first-round draft pick in 2018 and since then has been named to four All-Pro teams as well as five Pro Bowls, including in 2025. A veteran of 102 combined regular season and playoff games, he is a jack of all trades and center piece for a Chargers defense among the best in football this year.

During the regular season, he contributed three interceptions, two sacks and a forced fumble to the unit’s effort. And while it has been some time since Vrabel and McDaniels saw him up close — September 2023 and December 2022, respectively — both are well aware of his disruptive potential.

The same is true for quarterback Drake Maye, who was on the other side of the Chargers’ blowout win last season.

“He’s relentless,” Maye said. “He’s a great football player. I played him last year and got to know him a little bit at the Pro Bowl. He’s a great dude. He flies around. He’s got good instincts. He’s punching at the ball. He’s good in the run game. He’s good in the pass game. He plays some man coverage on third down. He’s always around the football. He’s got a knack for the football, and he’s had that probably since he started playing. He’s a great player. A lot of respect for him, and we’ve got to find out on every play where he’s at.”

Source: https://www.patspulpit.com/new-engl...-player-chargers-nfl-playoffs-wild-card-round

 

[New England Patriots]

Patriots vs. Chargers Thursday injury report: Four sidelined, including Thayer Munford Jr.

A sixth man has joined the list of non-participants in Foxborough.

The New England Patriots practiced without swing tackle and jumbo tight end Thayer Munford Jr. due to a knee injury on Thursday. Fellow offensive linemen Vederian Lowe and Garrett Bradbury remained sidelined due to illnesses, as well, while defensive tackle Khyiris Tonga’s absence continued because of a foot injury.

But there were additional moving parts as the Los Angeles Chargers near Gillette Stadium.

Here’s the second injury report leading up to Sunday’s 8 p.m. ET wild card.

DID NOT PARTICIPATE​

Patriots​

• OT Vederian Lowe (illness)
• OT Thayer Munford Jr. (knee)
• C Garrett Bradbury (illness)
• DT Khyiris Tonga (foot)

Chargers​

• RB Omarion Hampton (ankle)
• WR KeAndre Lambert-Smith (hamstring)
• LB Bud Dupree (hamstring)
• S Kendall Williamson (ankle)

Previously listed as a limited participant, Munford marked the fourth absence for the AFC East champions on Thursday. Since being signed back off the practice squad of the Cleveland Browns in November, the bookend has seen 100 snaps on offense and 30 snaps on special teams. A pair of starts have been notched along the way while reporting as eligible. Fellow linemen in Lowe and Bradbury have now missed consecutive sessions due to a sickness going around the locker room. As for Tonga, the three-phase nose tackle has not practiced since missing consecutive games to end the regular season.

LIMITED PARTICIPATION​

Patriots​

• WR Kayshon Boutte (hamstring)
• G Jared Wilson (concussion protocol)
• LB Harold Landry III (knee)
• CB Alex Austin (wrist — IR return)

Chargers​

• OT Austin Deculus (oblique)
• LB Del’Shawn Phillips (hamstring)
• S Elijah Molden (hamstring)

Four Patriots practiced in a limited capacity on Thursday. Boutte would find himself among them. The wide receiver has been added to the injury report due to a hamstring injury. He missed Week 10 and Week 11 with a hamstring injury and later had a stint in the NFL’s concussion protocol, finishing the slate with 33 catches for 551 yards and a career-best six touchdowns. Elsewhere, a rookie starter at guard as well as a captain and sack leader at outside linebacker continued to be limited for New England. As for Austin, the cornerback has yet to be activated from injured reserve after having his 21-day practice window open on New Year’s Eve.

FULL PARTICIPATION​

Patriots​

• TE Hunter Henry (not injury related — rest)
• OT Morgan Moses (illness)
• LB Anfernee Jennings (illness)
• LB Robert Spillane (ankle)
• LB Jack Gibbens (elbow)

Chargers​

• QB Justin Herbert (left hand)
• WR Keenan Allen (not injury related — rest)
• TE Tucker Fisk (ankle — IR return)
• G Jamaree Salyer (hamstring)
• LB Khalil Mack (not injury related — rest)
• CB Donte Jackson (ankle)

A handful of veterans graduated to full participation outside Gillette Stadium on Thursday. Moses and Jennings both sat out the previous session due to illnesses. And Spillane, who hasn’t played a down since the first night of December, is ramping up to make his postseason return. New England’s leading tackler and off-the-ball captain missed the past four games because of an ankle injury.

Source: https://www.patspulpit.com/new-engl...lowe-garrett-bradbury-khyiris-tonga-sidelined