3 reasons why the New England Patriots will shut down J.J. Watt in Week 3
J.J. Watt (99) will be shut down by the New England Patriots’ offensive line in Week 3. Credit Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
You heard it here first: the New England Patriots will prevent J.J. Watt from notching a single sack in Week 3.
Here are the reasons why Watt will have a tough time reaching Jacoby Brissett:
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3. Dante Scarnecchia
The walls have been collapsing on the New England Patriots’ offensive line since the start of training camp, just like they were late last season when the interior of the offensive line fell completely to shambles.
The difference? Dante Scarnecchia, who came out of retirement to lend a hand. Scarnecchia has been in New England since before the Bill Belichick era, in case you weren’t aware.
Scarnecchia excels at getting the most out of his players. It’s why the Patriots have survived the fierce pass rushes of the Arizona Cardinals and Miami Dolphins to be at 2-0 right now.
In the face of Nate Solder, Jonathan Cooper, Sebastian Vollmer and Shaq Mason, missing some or all of the action up to this point, rookies Joe Thuney and Ted Karras, sophomore center David Andrews and often-beleaguered veterans Marcus Cannon and Cameron Fleming have stepped up and maintained the peace.
Scarnecchia has a plan to limit Watt, don’t worry.
Marcus Cannon (61) New England Patriots – Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports
2. Marcus Cannon
Given, Watt had a club for a hand in the game, but Cannon one of the best games of his career in Week 14 last year against Watt. And thus far this season, Cannon has been impressive in relief duty of usual starter Vollmer. Those are the two main factors in saying that Cannon will be a reason why the Patriots will shut down Watt tomorrow night.
What will help Cannon out in this game is a big effort on the ground from LeGarrette Blount. The success running the ball will not only take some pressure off of Jacoby Brissett’s green right arm, but it will also slow the fierce Houston pass rush, namely Watt.
Having to think about the run will neutralize Watt marginally, making Cannon’s job that much easier.
Last but not least, the man on the opposite end of Cannon will also have a big game…
Nate Solder (77) New England Patriots – Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports
1. Nate Solder
Having missed last year’s bout with the Texans due to his being on injured reserve, Solder will be jacked up for the game, without a doubt. And he will be an indirect reason why the Patriots will hold Watt to nil on the sack front.
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Indirect, because Solder will have the upper hand on Jadaveon Clowney on the other end of the line. Think about it this way: if Solder lost his shoes while blocking the likes of Clowney and/or Whitney Mercilus, it would make Watt’s job easier. Defensive ends feed off each other all the time.
But because Solder will do so well in his matchup, Watt won’t have anyone playing second fiddle to him on the edges.
As we near kickoff tomorrow night, keep a close eye here on Musket Fire. We’ve got some solid content posting tomorrow, including a discussion with Toro Times editor Randy Gurzi and a roundtable discussion among a few of the staff writers.