But neither Miami nor Pittsburgh is considered to have a potent rushing attack. The Patriots run defense was outstanding in the first two games of the season. It will also be interesting to see if Bill Belichick gives Kendrick Bourne additional opportunities to make plays, as the receiver has been productive with his limited chances. Hoyer will need to get the ball out quick and find ways to get the ball into the hands of his receivers, and perhaps make an effort to get tight ends Hunter Henry and Jonnu Smith more involved. Green Bay only has seven sacks in three games with linebackers Rashan Gary (3) and Preston Smith (2) doing the bulk of the damage, but the Pack ranks ninth in the league in sacks per play, getting to the quarterback 8.2 percent of the time. The Pack also has a solid safety tandem in Adrian Amos and Darnell Savage, and that secondary also benefits from solid pressure created up front. If Alexander can't go his snaps will be divided among Rasul Douglas and Kelsean Nixon, who will join starter Eric Stokes. Green Bay ranks seventh in the league, allowing 189.3 yards per game through the air. But the Packers pass defense is quite formidable, and Hoyer will have his hands full anyway. His status is uncertain heading into Sunday. The Patriots may be catching a huge break in this matchup after Green Bay's standout corner Jaire Alexander was forced to leave the victory over the Bucs with a groin injury. The Patriots can't afford many of those breakdowns on the road at Lambeau Field. The Patriots offensive line had an up and down afternoon against Baltimore, opening some holes at times but also enduring a few lapses in key moments. De'Vondre Campbell is an active inside linebacker playing behind nose tackle Kenny Clark and ends Jarran Reed and Dean Lowry. The Pack won't be easy to run against despite the high average per carry. They will need to continue getting that type of production, especially if Brian Hoyer is forced to take the reins as Jones deals with an ankle injury. Stevenson in particular enjoyed a strong afternoon, consistently creating extra yards with his vision and toughness. The Patriots will likely try to continue using the two-headed monster of Damien Harris and Rhamondre Stevenson, both of whom were efficient in the loss to the Ravens. However, the Packers are allowing almost 5 yards per carry, and that total ranks 25th in the league. Green Bay is stingy across the board, allowing 113 yards per game on the ground and just 302 per game overall. The Patriots will face a significant challenge going against a Packers defense that has been dominant in the early going, whether Mac Jones is available or not.
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