Despite an offensive output of just three points, Mac Jones had one of his best games of the season against a tough Jets defense, completing 85.2 percent of his passes for 246 yards and a 104.6 quarterback rating. Mac also avoided turning the ball over for just the second time this season as the second-year quarterback is establishing a baseline of solid play. With Minnesota’s 20th-ranked pass defense there could be more opportunities for Mac to make strides in this one, however, the status of his protection will be a major concern in this one, with David Andrews and Isaiah Wynn both expected to miss time. Mac was sacked six times by the Jets, matching their output from the first matchup of the season. That kind of pressure won’t allow the offense to take the necessary next step, Jones will have to find a way to be productive despite having some backups protecting him.
With Andrews and Wynn expected to be out the focus is on their fill-ins, right tackle Yodny Cajuste and center James Ferentz. Cajuste was tagged with letting up two sacks and five total pressures against the Jets, while Ferentz allowed one sack and one pressure. Against a tough Vikings front, Ferentz and Cajuste will have another tough challenge in relief ahead of them. Could rookie Kody Russey, recently promoted from the practice squad get a look? On a short week, it’s likely the Patriots will try to minimize the changes. For an offense that badly needs to take a step forward and find consistent production,the state of the offensive line is a significant complication.
With Vikings starting left tackle Christian Darrisaw already ruled out, Judon and fellow end Deatrich Wise should have opportunities to get after quarterback Kirk Cousins. Minnesota allowed seven sacks against the Cowboys and that pass-rush pressure contained the Vikings attack to a mere 183 total yards of offense. A first-drive fumble set the tone for the day and even though that was their only giveaway of…
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