Here’s a bold statement: The Patriots’ Week 6 matchup against the Saints in New Orleans could be their biggest test yet, and it’s not just because of the opponent. But here’s where it gets controversial—while the Bills are statistically the better team, the real challenge for New England lies in avoiding a letdown after their primetime upset in Buffalo. WR Stefon Diggs summed it up perfectly: ‘To be honest, it might be a bigger test than last week.’ So, can the Patriots maintain their momentum? Let’s dive in.
The Patriots received some much-needed good news ahead of Sunday’s game at the Caesars Superdome. And this is the part most people miss—despite being listed as questionable, star CB Christian Gonzalez (hamstring) and DT Milton Williams (illness) are officially active. However, their availability comes with a caveat. Gonzalez, who missed the first three games of the season due to a hamstring injury, was limited in practice this week as part of a maintenance plan. Patriots coaches insist this is about keeping him healthy, but how effective will he be against Saints WR Chris Olave, QB Spencer Rattler’s go-to target? Olave’s 54 targets through five weeks are the second-most in the NFL, though his production hasn’t matched the volume. Still, shutting down Rattler’s favorite receiver could be the key to victory—a bold move that could spark debate among fans.
Meanwhile, Williams’ workload is worth watching as he battles through an illness. The Patriots’ defense is already stretched thin, with LB Anfernee Jennings (ankle), S Jaylinn Hawkins (hamstring), and DE Keion White (elbow) among the inactives. The edge rush, in particular, is under the microscope. Starting EDGE K’Lavon Chaisson returns from a knee injury, but can he regain his early-season form (2.5 sacks, 13 pressures in four games)? The team also elevated DE Truman Jones from the practice squad, a Harvard grad whose speed-to-power explosiveness turned heads in training camp. But is this enough depth to withstand the Saints’ offense?
Here’s a thought-provoking question: With Hawkins out, how will the Patriots’ secondary adjust? S Kyle Dugger, who’s been used sparingly in ‘big’ nickel packages, is expected to start alongside rookie Craig Woodson. Will this reshuffling create vulnerabilities, or will Dugger step up in a bigger role? And what about the offense? Undrafted rookie WR Efton Chism III is active for the first time this season, potentially filling the void left by kickoff returner Antonio Gibson, who suffered a season-ending injury. But is throwing a rookie into the fire on special teams a wise move, or a risky gamble?
Speaking of risks, the Patriots elevated RB Terrell Jennings from the practice squad as their third back. While Rhamondre Stevenson and TreVeyon Henderson will handle most of the workload, Jennings’ power running style could be a wildcard. However, with Stevenson already returning kickoffs last week, are the Patriots exposing their lead back to unnecessary wear and tear?
As the Patriots take the field in New Orleans, the real question isn’t whether they can win—it’s whether they can handle success. After becoming the darlings of the NFL post-Buffalo, can they avoid complacency? The Saints may not be as formidable as the Bills, but this game is about more than just talent. It’s about focus, adaptability, and resilience. What do you think? Are the Patriots primed for another upset, or is a letdown looming? Let’s hear your take in the comments!
