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Patriots Gridiron News: Shea McClellin Leaps into the Spotlight

By Tarringo Basile-vaughan

Dec 12, 2016; Foxborough, MA, USA; Baltimore Ravens running back Kenneth Dixon (30) rushes against New England Patriots defensive end Trey Flowers (98) and outside linebacker Shea McClellin (58) during the first half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 12, 2016; Foxborough, MA, USA; Baltimore Ravens running back Kenneth Dixon (30) rushes against New England Patriots defensive end Trey Flowers (98) and outside linebacker Shea McClellin (58) during the first half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports /
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New England Patriots linebacker Shea McClellin had a good night in the team’s 30-23 Monday night victory over the Baltimore Ravens.

Linebacker Shea McClellin did something Monday night that reminded fans of Jamie Collins.  In the New England Patriots 30-23 victory over the Baltimore Ravens, McClellin made one of the more exciting and impressive plays of the night.

With the team up 2-0 in the first quarter, the Patriots linebacker leaped clearly over the Ravens offensive line and blocked Justin Tucker’s 34-yard field goal attempt.  It was a play like the one made by Collins last season against the Indianapolis Colts.

McClellin said after the game that he remembered watching Collins make the play and was something he has been practicing and prepared for when the opportunity presented itself Monday.

"“Yeah, I was just trying to hold it down. It comes from practice and watching film,” McClellin said via the Providence Journal. “I wouldn’t say luck. I think it’s just preparation. If you watch the film and you prepare and run it in practice, it’ll work out.”"

It was his second block of the season and more importantly McClellin was making plays on defense.  It was best far his best game as a member of the New England Patriots.  As far as the blocked field goal, McClellin also credits all the guys up front that made the leap and play possible.

"“It’s a lot of things,” McClellin said. “The guys up front making sure they hold those guys down so they don’t jump into me when I’m jumping. Getting the right height. The most important thing, I think, is the timing for sure. If you’re there two seconds before they snap it, it’s a penalty.  Fortunately, it worked out.”"

Power rankings:  With the Dallas Cowboys losing to the New York Giants, the New England Patriots are back in the No. 1 spot following their Monday night victory over the Ravens.

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The Kansas City Chiefs have eased into the top 3 following their win over the AFC West rival Oakland Raiders who come in at No. 4.  The New York Giants have also creeped into the top 5.

Cyrus Jones: Following another tough night fielding punts, one must assume that we’ve seen the last of the rookie returning punts or kicks.

Speaking to the media Tuesday, head coach Bill Belichick said the team as a whole has to do better.

"“On the ball that hit him, as a returning, being any punt returner, once we don’t field the ball then we have to get out of the way and keep it from hitting us,” Belichick said via WEEI. “That’s a fundamental thing, but with ball security we all have to do a better job of taking care of the ball. We turned it over three times and all of those players and all the other players, we have to do a better job of it. Have to coach it better, have to handle it better.”"

Next: New England Patriots Versus Ravens, A Game Of Comparisons

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