Tag: Gimme him

Gimme Him: Puka Nacua would give Patriots proven playmaking WR

Puka Nacua would give the Patriots a proven top wide receiver talent

The Los Angeles Rams have explosive players on both sides of the ball, and the New England Patriots will have their work cut out trying to contain them in Sunday’s game.

However, one player in particular who would fit well with the Patriots is All-Pro wide receiver Puka Nacua. He is my pick for this week’s “Gimme Him.”

Nacua is the kind of playmaker that could help the Patriots’ receiving corps get to that next level. That’s obviously assuming he’s healthy. The numbers are a bit down this year for the 23-year-old wideout, but he missed five games with a knee injury.

He is starting to find his groove once again. He had one of his best games of the season on October 24 against the Minnesota Vikings by recording seven catches for 160 yards. In his last outing against the Miami Dolphins, he hauled in nine catches for 98 yards.

The 2023 campaign would be a better assessment of his body of work. He recorded 105 catches for 1,486 yards and six touchdowns on the year. Right out of the gates, he quickly established himself as one of the most dynamic receiving weapons in the NFL.

It wasn’t just the numbers that were impressive, either. It was his efficiency while doing it. He caught 65.6 percent of his passes last season and averaged 9.29 yards per target, per statistics from Pro Football Reference.

Putting him on the Patriots would give rookie quarterback Drake Maye another weapon to throw to on offense. The outlook of the Patriots’ receivers unit is much different than it was a month ago. There’s hope with players like Demario Douglas and Kayshon Boutte on offense.

Nacua could be an addition that helps ensure future success for the unit. Of course, this is very much a dream scenario. The Patriots are currently stuck building around what they already have.

Their focus now shifts towards slowing down Nacua, Cooper Kupp and every other weapon on the Rams’ offense on Sunday.

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Gimme Him: Rome Odunze would be key building block for Patriots

Rome Odunze would help jumpstart the Patriots offense.

The New England Patriots are set to take on a Chicago Bears team with talent on both sides of the ball on Sunday. Rookie wide receiver Rome Odunze would be my selection for this week’s Gimme Him.

Odunze was drafted out of Washington with the ninth overall pick of the 2024 NFL draft. He has recorded 25 catches for 391 yards and a touchdown on the season. He is coming off his best game so far after racking up five receptions for 104 yards against the Arizona Cardinals.

His track record speaks for itself as a former top option at Washington and one of the best receivers in college football. He recorded over 3,000 yards while with the Huskies, including 92 catches for 1,640 yards and 13 touchdowns in 2023.

The Patriots have tried to improve their receiving group, with Ja’Lynn Polk and Javon Baker being part of their rookie class. However, the returns have not been good so far.

Polk has struggled with drops this season, while Baker has seen the field in limited action. Meanwhile, Odunze ranks seventh amongst all NFL rookies in receiving yards.

The Patriots have second-year standouts in Demario Douglas and Kayshon Boutte, but there needs to be more depth in the wide receivers room. Odunze is a player capable of providing that as a reliable target for rookie quarterback Drake Maye.

We’ll see how he fares against the Patriots’ secondary on Sunday with star cornerback Christian Gonzalez on the other side.

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Gimme Him: Calvin Ridley would electrify Patriots WR group

Calvin Ridley would be the veteran piece the Patriots need at wide receiver.

The New England Patriots have a chance to win their second straight game when they take on the Tennessee Titans on Sunday.

Tennessee has several offensive players the Patriots could use with the team currently rebuilding on that side of the ball. This week’s “Gimme Him” player is none other than Titans wide receiver Calvin Ridley.

The Patriots were linked to Ridley throughout free agency, but he ultimately chose to sign with the Titans.

His on-field production has been a tremendous asset for the Titans. He has 22 catches for 326 yards and a touchdown on the season. He is coming off an incredible performance against the Detroit Lions where he hauled in 10 catches for 143 yards.

To be fair, the Patriots’ receivers are still young, and there is a chance they could develop into significant contributors with more time. However, the Patriots could use Ridley right now.

He is a big-play wide receiver who would serve as a tremendous offensive weapon for rookie quarterback Drake Maye. Last season, he racked up 76 receptions for 1,016 yards and eight touchdowns with the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Ridley turns 30 years old in December, and so far, he hasn’t shown any signs of slowing down. It’s hard not to feel like he was a missed opportunity for the Patriots. Here’s hoping he doesn’t burn them on Sunday.

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Gimme Him: Jamien Sherwood would strengthen Patriots LB group

Jamien Sherwood would be a solid boost to the Patriots’ struggling run defense

The New England Patriots are set to take on the New York Jets on Sunday, as the team looks to pick up their first divisional win of the season.

Several players on the offensive side of the ball have provided a potent offensive attack for the Jets. However, defense is the name of the game for this week’s Gimme Him. Jets linebacker Jamien Sherwood would help the Patriots’ defense in a major way.

The 24-year-old defensive standout is one of the younger players on the Jets’ roster. Nevertheless, he has been able to assert himself as a solid rotational piece. He broke into the league in 2021 after playing college football at Auburn.

He has slowly made his way up the linebacker depth chart for the Jets, and it has culminated in a solid season this year. He has recorded 62 total tackles so far this season and filled in admirably as a starter when C.J. Mosley was out.

Sherwood recorded five tackles in the last matchup with New England in September.

New England needs help at the linebacker position with the defense hurting without the presence of Ja’Whaun Bentley. The absence of Bentley has left a hole in the Patriots’ defense, and Sherwood could help fill the void. He would give New England a younger presence on the linebacker unit.

However, his best contribution would be helping to strengthen New England’s run defense. The Patriots currently have the third-worst run defense over the last three games with opponents averaging 185.3 yards per game on the ground against them.

Sherwood would help them plug some holes along the leaky defensive front.

The Patriots need an overhaul on both sides of the ball, but a player like Sherwood would create a potential solution for one of their most glaring weaknesses.

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Gimme Him: Brian Thomas Jr. would load up Patriots WR room

Brian Thomas Jr. would give the Patriots a top receiving weapon

The New England Patriots will take on the Jacksonville Jaguars across the pond in London on Sunday.

The Jaguars have been struggling this season, but there have been a few bright spots on their roster. One of those bright spots has been rookie wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr.

He is my pick for this week’s Gimme Him.

The LSU product has burst onto the scene as the Jaguars’ leading wideout through the first six games with 25 receptions for 474 yards and three touchdowns. His receiving yards total puts him at ninth-best in the NFL.

One of the best games of the season for him so far came against the Indianapolis Colts on October 6. He caught eight passes for 122 yards and a touchdown.

He is quickly becoming one of the Jaguars’ most dynamic receiving options. The first-round draft pick out of LSU is using his combination of big-play ability and speed to make things happen after the catch. He has averaged over nine yards per catch in each of the games he has played in this year.

The Patriots’ group of wide receivers is taking shape by the week. Coach Jerod Mayo noted that Kendrick Bourne, DeMario Douglas and Kayshon Boutte are three of the most reliable receivers on the roster right now. The addition of Thomas would give quarterback Drake Maye another weapon on offense.

One of the best things the organization can do is surround the rookie quarterback with playmakers. Thomas undoubtedly fits into that category, even as a rookie. In addition to just playmaking ability, he would also give the organization depth at the wide receiver spot. Productive depth is not something they have right now. Thomas would be able to fill a void there.

As for now, the Patriots’ secondary will be tasked with guarding him on Sunday, when they go head-to-head with the Jaguars.

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Gimme Him: C.J. Stroud would give Patriots a cornerstone QB

Texans QB C.J. Stroud is this week’s “Gimme Him” player for the Patriots

The New England Patriots are set to face the Houston Texans in Week 6 on Sunday. Houston has a high-powered offense led by quarterback C.J. Stroud, who is this week’s “Gimme Him” pick.

The Patriots will have a quarterback of their own to look forward to with rookie Drake Maye starting under center. Nevertheless, the team isn’t sure what they are getting from Maye. Meanwhile, Stroud has established himself as one of the best young quarterbacks in the NFL.

He threw for 4,108 yards, 23 touchdowns and only five interceptions last season. He led the Texans to the playoffs in a year many thought would be a rebuilding season. He is off to another solid start in 2024 with 1,385 passing yards, seven touchdowns and three interceptions through five games.

Stroud has all of the tools to be a successful quarterback in the NFL. His strong arm, as well as his mobility, are two of his biggest assets. The Ohio State product has recorded 68 rushing yards on 14 carries so far this year.

In particular, he has shown he can elevate his game when needed most. He has thrown for 626 yards, four touchdowns and an interception when trailing in games.

The Patriots will start Maye on Sunday, and the jury is out on what he can provide. Stroud is a proven signal-caller and is only getting better. He is someone who can elevate the players around him, as evidenced by his connection with multiple breakout receivers on the Texans’ roster, including Tank Dell and Nico Collins.

Maye could end up being that kind of playmaker for the Patriots as well, but Stroud would give the offense an instant spark.

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Gimme Him: Jaylen Waddle would give Patriots explosive option

Jaylen Waddle would give the Patriots’ passing game a spark.

The New England Patriots will take on a Miami Dolphins team that possesses several playmakers on both sides of the football on Sunday. With New England needing wide receiver help, Jaylen Waddle seems like the appropriate pick for this week’s Gimme Him.

Waddle burst onto the scene as a member of the Dolphins in 2021, and he has been a dynamic playmaker for the team ever since. He has 268 catches for 3,597 yards and 18 touchdowns throughout four seasons. He is on pace for another solid season with 17 catches for 212 yards in the first four games.

Those numbers would likely be even higher if quarterback Tua Tagovailoa wasn’t out with a head injury.

The Alabama product has shown his ability to stretch the field, averaging 12.5 yards per reception. He has averaged 13.4 yards per reception for his entire career.

He has also managed to have stellar performances against New England. In the last meeting between the two teams, he caught seven passes for 121 yards and a touchdown.

Waddle would give the Patriots a receiver that could stretch the field and make plays after the catch. In addition, he could provide New England with the kind of big-play ability the team has been searching for.

The Patriots have needed a top wide receiver for several years now, and Waddle would fit the bill. He has caught 85 percent of passes thrown his way this year, per statistics from Pro Football Reference.

This is all obviously hypothetical, but even still, Waddle has shown the ability to elevate the play of quarterbacks, most notably Tagovailoa. He would undoubtedly help Drake Maye in his development process and give Jacoby Brissett a top option to throw to.

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Gimme him: A.J. Epenesa would add more fire to Patriots’ pass rush

A.J. Epenesa would add a strong boost to the Patriots’ defensive front

New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick is big on effort, and he’d get plenty of it if he had a high-motor defensive playmaker like Buffalo Bills defensive end A.J. Epenesa on his roster.

Epenesa is the perfect example of patience and perseverance in a young, burgeoning NFL talent. Not having Matthew Judon on the field has obviously impacted the Patriots defense greatly. So imagine the kind of damage they could do with Epenesa joining the likes of Josh Uche, Deatrich Wise and Keion White.

It would be easy to choose Bills quarterback Josh Allen, wide receiver Stefon Diggs or even legendary pass-rusher Von Miller, but we’re taking things in a bit more of an unexpected route with Epenesa.

The Patriots have so many issues at receiver and the offense line that Allen and Diggs couldn’t save them alone. Granted, they could build around them and be better in the long-term for it. But a playmaker like Epenesa would help the defensive-focused Patriots right away.

He’s currently playing in a contract year and showing the sense of urgency you’d expected from a young player on the end of his rookie contract. With four sacks on the year, he is already 2.5 sacks away from tying his career-high from last season.

There’s nothing flashy about his game, either. He’s a tough defender that’s going to sprint and fight his way to the target with all-out effort on every single play. Belichick has made Super Bowl champions of such players in the past.

Unfortunately for the Patriots, Epenesa will be on the opposing side of the field on Sunday, hell-bent on ruining the day for quarterback Mac Jones and the offense.

Somehow, someway—with a banged-up offensive line—the Patriots will have to find a way to stop him.

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Gimme Him: One player Colts would steal from Rams

In this hypothetical scenario, the player to steal from the Rams would give the Colts an elite front seven.

The Indianapolis Colts (2-1) are hosting the Los Angeles Rams (1-2) on Sunday at Lucas Oil Stadium for what should be a competitive Week 4 matchup.

In a hypothetical scenario, the Colts Wire staff can “steal” one player that sheds light on depth needs or talent upgrades for the Colts.

This week’s selection as the Colts host the Rams: DL Aaron Donald.

There’s not much that needs to be said about Donald that hasn’t already been said. He’s a future Hall-of-Famer with three Defensive Player of the Year awards to his name to go along with seven All-Pro First Team and nine Pro Bowl selections.

Despite the fact that he’s 32 years old, Donald is still wreaking havoc on opposing offenses. He entered Week 4 second in the NFL in total pressures (14) and third in pass rush win rate (25.3%) among qualified interior defenders, according to Pro Football Focus.

Even if it was just for one season, having Donald line up on the same front that also included DeForest Buckner, Grover Stewart and Kwity Paye would be a sight to see.

Other players considered included guard Steve Avila and wide receivers Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua.

Do you agree, Colts fans? Would you pick Donald or steal an entirely different Los Angeles Rams player?

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Gimme Him: Does King Henry or Jeffery Simmons make a bigger impact on the Browns?

Would the Browns be better off with Derrick Henry or Jeffery Simmons?

In this week’s edition of Gimme Him, we act the part of Zeus as we take a player from the Tennessee Titans and imagine them on the Cleveland Browns. Sadly, the league’s Titans can’t compare to the greats of ancient myths. But they do have Derrick Henry, which is about as close as one can get. The 6’3, 240-pound running back has been an elite playmaker over his 7-year career. In a world where teams are churning and burning their running backs, Henry’s longevity has only become more impressive. Defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons also moves the needle quite a bit.

In the wake of the Chubb injury, it’s hard not to focus on Henry’s workload. The loss of Nick Chubb is too great to mention. His absence can be felt in excess by every Browns fan, player, and employee. I honestly think Chubb was going to win MVP this year based on his production up until the injury. But Chubb’s career is far from over.

The workout warrior has battled back from a very similar injury once before. It’s dismissive of Chubb to make forecasts based on injury history and age (27 years old!); he was and always will be the exception. He works to be the outlier. So I think someone will have to keep the MVP trophy warm for Chubb because I think he will get it when he comes back.

Back to the Titans, I am not selecting Derrick Henry for the Browns. While he is the only running back who can come close to Nick Chubb, I hope the Browns focus their energies on a pathetic passing offense.  I would rather fortify the defensive line.

My Gimme Him is Jeffery Simmons. Simmons has been the third-best defensive tackle in the NFL over the last couple of years. The Titans rewarded him with a four-year, $94 million extension this Spring.

Jeffery Simmons is the monster anchoring the Titans’ defense. He is quick enough to beat guards and centers off the snap while being powerful enough to stop a double team in its tracks. On passing downs where he’s able to combine those talents, he’s extremely dangerous. He’s regularly pushing guards into their quarterback, absolutely destroying the architecture of a pocket.

If a quarterback is unable to step into the pocket, then they are forced to beat the defenders rushing from the edges. While the Browns’ defensive tackle unit has been better than anticipated, the unit could still use an All-Pro. Getting Myles one-on-ones needs to remain the primary focus of the defense.

Having a defensive tackle who can generate pressure instantaneously when lined up between the center and guard is the best way to do so without blitzing. Jeffery Simmons would be a force multiplier on what could be the best defense in football. The Browns’s defense with Simmons would be the best since the 1985 Bears. Expect to see number 98 in the backfield all Sunday.

What do you think, Browns fans? Would you take Jeffery Simmons or Derrick Henry? Let us know!

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