Don’t accidentally make any plans on Sunday morning. The Patriots and Jaguars will kick off from London at 9:30 a.m. ET.
This game serves as another test for the 1-5 Patriots, who might not have an easier game left on their schedule than the 1-5 Jaguars who are coming off a 35-16 thrashing at the hands of the Bears — another team starting a rookie quarterback.
So, this one seems winnable for rookie QB Drake Maye and the Patriots. Here are five players primed for big roles in front of an international audience at Wembley Stadium.
QB Drake Maye
The Patriots have to hope that Maye knocked off the nerves and rust through the first 29 minutes of the first half last Sunday. He looked like a different player for the final minute of the first half and into the third and fourth quarters.
Maye faces an easy matchup — on paper — against the Jaguars’ defense, which ranks 32nd in EPA (expected points added) allowed per play and EPA allowed per dropback. Top safeties Antonio Johnson, Andre Cisco and Darnell Savage have struggled this season, so Maye might be able to have success with the deep ball for the second straight week.
WR DeMario Douglas
Douglas is a master at getting open in man coverage out of the slot. He enters an advantageous matchup against Jaguars slot defenders Savage and rookie Jarrian Johnson.
Based on comments head coach Jerod Mayo made earlier in the week, expect Douglas, Kayshon Boutte and Kendrick Bourne to be the Patriots’ top receivers this week. Alex Van Pelt also said the Patriots could “lessen the load” for rookie wide receiver Ja’Lynn Polk, who has struggled with drops over the last two weeks.
“Pop, you can’t guard him in a phone booth,” Maye said this week. “He’s tough to guard in man coverage, and he’s got a knack for finding zones. So, he’s a great guy to have out there and makes my job a little easier. Any time you see a man matchup, Pop is somebody that you want to go to, and we have guys on the outside that can make plays, which you saw on Sunday as well.”
Douglas scored his first career touchdown last week. He was a favorite target of Maye’s during training camp and has started playing to his full potential over the last two weeks.
WR Kayshon Boutte
Boutte looked like a longshot to make the roster during the summer. Even Van Pelt said this week that he wasn’t viewed as a potential starter.
So, what happened?
“He’s always had the talent,” a team source said. “So it’s just been a combination of prolonged health and focus for him.”
Boutte caught three of three targets for 59 yards last week and hauled in Maye’s best throw of his starting debut, a 40-yard deep shot down the right sideline over top Texans cornerback Darryl Stingley Jr.
The Patriots like Boutte’s combination of route-running ability and ball skills. Van Pelt said Thursday that he can’t recall seeing Boutte drop a pass.
Polk will be nipping at Bourne and Boutte’s heels for a starting job if the rookie is in fact demoted on Sunday. So, Boutte has to keep stringing together impressive performances to keep his job as a starter.
If Tyson Campbell returns, it makes the matchup tougher for Boutte.
RT Mike Onwenu
In case you’re not keeping track, Onwenu is almost certainly moving back to right tackle due to starting left tackle Vederian Lowe’s ankle injury that kept him from traveling to London. Demontrey Jacobs is expected to move back to left tackle from right tackle. Onwenu began the spring at right tackle, began training camp at right guard, began the season at right tackle, moved back to right guard in Week 5 and now is likely moving back to right tackle.
No, Onwenu hasn’t played up to his hefty contract this season. But it would help if the Patriots had a deep and talented enough offensive line to keep him at one position.
Onwenu is a more natural guard, but he’s actually graded out on PFF better as a right tackle this season.
LB Christian Elliss
The middle linebacker play has been ugly at times since Ja’Whaun Bentley went down with a season-ending injury. Defensive coordinator DeMarcus Covington hinted Thursday that Elliss could see his role increase from passing situations into early downs, as well.
Elliss was claimed off waivers from the Eagles by the Patriots last offseason, and then he was brought back for the 2024 season after making the roster over the summer.
Elliss primarily was a special teams player in Philadelphia but brings athleticism to the position.
If Elliss does take over early-down work, expect Raekwon McMillan, who has struggled at times this season in the run game, to see more time on the bench. McMillan is also competing for playing time with Sione Takitaki, a free-agent signing who’s finally healthy and off the PUP list.
