Patriots gridiron news: Deatrich Wise ‘disruptive’ in playoff debut

New England Patriots rookie defensive end Deatrich Wise Jr. continues to show that he can be a disruptive force on defense.

Just days after ESPN’s Mike Reiss named him the New England Patriots best rookie, defensive end Deatrich Wise Jr. had a breakout game in his playoff debut.

In the team’s 35-14 victory over the Tennessee Titans, Wise was a disruptive force, accounting for two of the team’s eight sacks in the game.  The first of which came on a third-and-7 play in the opening moments of the first quarter.  With teammate Adam Butler providing pressure up the middle, Wise was there to sack Marcus Mariota when he tried to bounce out of the pocket and to the outside.

The defensive play really set the tone for the night and emphasized how disruptive of a force the Arkansas product can be in the Patriots pass rush.  Butler, who has also been impressive, expressed how he loves working with Wise do to his ability to set the edge.

"“It’s great.  I love working with Deatrich.  He’s very disruptive,” Butler said, as transcribed by the Providence Journal.  “That’s pretty much both of our jobs – to be disruptive.  I cone up the middle, get him off the spot.  He rolls out and he’s got him.  I trust him.  He sets the edge, Mariota steps up and I’m there for him.  We sort of just play off each other.”"

The entire New England Patriots defense is doing a great job playing off one another.  The chemistry the team has found over the last few weeks make them a viable unit heading into another AFC Championship game.

Related Story: Defensive end Deatrich Wise rushing towards success

It was just his first playoff game, but the way Deatrich Wise Jr. performed can only mean great things going forward.  Add confidence to his physical talent and this fourth-round draft pick looks to be quite the find for the New England Patriots.

Rex Burkhead expected to play in AFC title game

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The New England Patriots already have some good news as they prepare for the AFC championship against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

According to NFL Insider Ian Rapoport, running back Rex Burkhead is expected to play Sunday.  The versatile running back has missed the last three games with a knee injury, but has been practicing the week prior to the divisional round game against the Titans

Despite appearing to be ready to go, Burkhead was inactive leaving just Dion Lewis, James White and Brandon Bolden in the backfield.  His return adds depth and should give Tom Brady another quick outlet in the passing game.  His presence could loom large as the Patriots will face a very stout Jacksonville defensive front. 

Jalen Ramsey looking past the Patriots?

Jacksonville’s upset win over the Pittsburgh Steelers Sunday put to rest any idea of a 2017 AFC Championship rematch between the Steelers and Patriots.

Instead, the defending Super Bowl champions will face a very talented and confident Jacksonville team.  But, they are a team that apparently haven’t gotten the memo about throwing out guarantees where the Patriots are involved.

Speaking at a rally in Jacksonville, Jaguars cornerback Jalen Ramsey provided some quick bulletin board material for a Patriots team already motivated.

"“I ain’t got too much to say, but ya’ll make sure you bring that same energy out here next week and the week after” Ramsey said, as transcribed by WEEI.  We’re going to the Super Bowl and we’re going to win that (expletive).  We’re going to win that (explective).”"

Next: New England Patriots: 5 observations from win over Titans

Hopefully, you can back that up on the field Mr. Ramsey.