Just when you thought the Pats couldn’t catch a break, BAM! News hits that’s bound to shake things up in Foxborough. New England’s scampering as they get ready to face off Miami—and with injuries piling up, their season might just be hanging by a thread.  

ESPN reporter Mike Reiss dropped a bomb on X: Safety Jabrill Peppers is out for Sunday’s clash (shoulder injury). To make stuff worse, the team will likely be missing Kyle Dugger, who hasn’t practiced all week because of an ankle issue. “The Patriots have downgraded safety Jabrill Peppers (shoulder) to out for Sunday’s game, meaning they are likely to be without both starters (Kyle Dugger hasn’t practiced all week due to his ankle),” Reiss’ tweet read. 

Once upon a time, this defense looked exclusive after a stunning Week 1 upset against Cincinnati. But fast forward to right now, and the Pats find themselves at 1-3 (blown out in the last two games). This is like the polar opposite of the team that ranked eighth in expected points per play last season (-0.059), now standing at 25th with a +0.083 rating this season.

Former New England LB Ted Johnson weighed in, claiming the code’s been broken on how to beat this Pats defense. He noted that Seattle exposed vulnerabilities by using hurry-up and empty formations. “They want to be multiple and disguising, but teams are going more spread, making the Patriots predictable,” he explained.

But nope—it’s not just about the formations. Lack of cohesion, though? Yes. Johnson pointed out that players like Dell Pettus and Jaylinn Hawkins are out of their depth, making it tougher to execute the game plan. “That’s killing them,” he lamented. The result? A once-feared pass rush has now dwindled, leaving only Keion White as a reliable threat.

While the team’s defense is struggling pretty bad, the offense ain’t faring any better. New England’s struggling to move the ball consistently. And that? That’s made them easy prey for opposing defenses. As HC Jerod Mayo deals with this crisis, he must make adjustments—or the losses will stack up like pancakes at a Sunday brunch. 

Veteran DT Davon Godchaux called out the need for teamwork, saying, “We just all got to be on the same page. Sometimes your job might be to set the edge or take on a double team.”  The Pats’ season is hanging in the balance, but it’d be fun to discuss who the next Jabrill Peppers could be. 

Who will replace Jabrill Peppers?

Let’s discuss some potential playmakers who could replace safety Peppers and inject some serious energy in New England’s Defense. 

1. Cedrick Wilson, WR, New Orleans Saints
   Cedrick Wilson’s the Swiss Army knife of the football field. Last season in college, this former Boise state standout wasn’t just catching passes but slinging them—tossing a 61-yard TD and zooming off a 73-yard punt return (putting together 1,629 all-purpose yards). If the Patriots are seeking a player like Jabrill Peppers, Wilson’s the guy. 
2. Greg Stroman, CB, New York Giants
   You think you’ve seen it all? How about a CB who can boot a ball like a punter? Greg Stroman pulled off some nifty quick-kick punts averaging 40 yds last season—13 passes defensed in secondary (three picks and ten breakups). This one’s like a football-loving magician!
3. KaVontae Turpin, WR, Dallas Cowboys
   66 touches split across rushes, receptions, and returns—that’s former TCU star, KaVontae Turpin. When he’s on-field, defenses better bring their A-game—or risk getting burned!
4. Richie James, WR, San Francisco 49ers
   Richie James is not just a little guy with a big heart; he’s a certified playmaker with a knack for yardage (164.2 all-purpose yds last season) Plus, he ran wild for 207 yds against FAU. If New England wants a player who can slip through the cracks and create magic, James is IT. 

As the Pats gear up for more games, these players could be the secret sauce that might bring a fresh flavor to the team in the future.