New England Patriots outside linebacker Dre’Mont Jones offered a clear warning to the Green Bay Packers ahead of Sunday’s game, stating his longstanding dislike for the team and his intent to disrupt their quarterback.
“Me personally, I don’t like the Packers, man. Growing up I ain’t like ‘em,” Jones said during media availability. “So, there’s no extra boost. I already got boost when I’m out there. Playing football gives me the boost. I wanna play the Packers, I wanna beat the Packers. I wanna try my best to disrupt the quarterback.”
Both clubs enter the contest with matching 5-3 records. The game is scheduled for 4:25 p.m. ET at Gillette Stadium and will air on FOX.
Green Bay’s rushing attack ranks last in the NFL at 60.6 yards per game. The Packers average 21.4 points while allowing 20.5.
Quarterback Jordan Love leads the league with 2,246 passing yards and 16 touchdowns on 192-of-312 completions with six interceptions. He has been sacked 14 times this season.
New England’s defense has tallied 22 sacks, among the higher totals in the league. The unit recorded five sacks in last week’s 24-19 victory over the Miami Dolphins.
The Patriots allow 20.3 points and 309.9 total yards per game, both ranking in the top 10. Their pass rush has been a consistent factor through eight games.
Jones, 29, signed a three-year, $39.5 million free-agent deal with New England in March. He has one sack and 14 tackles this season while dealing with shoulder and knee issues that limited him in practice.
The Cleveland native has compiled 38.5 career sacks across stints with Denver, Seattle, Tennessee, Baltimore and now the Patriots. He switched to jersey No. 5 upon arrival, citing his Jan. 5 birthday.
Green Bay’s offensive line has faced questions about continuity. Center Sean Rhyan and guard Travis Glover missed practice time this week according to injury reports.
The Packers hold a 7-6 all-time edge in the series, which includes their Super Bowl XXXI win. Their most recent meeting was a 27-24 overtime victory at Lambeau Field in 2022.
This marks Green Bay’s first visit to Gillette Stadium since 2018. The regular-season series is even at 6-6.
Jones did not explain the origin of his childhood feelings toward the Packers. His comments instead centered on applying pressure to Love and limiting an offense that relies heavily on the pass.
New England ranks eighth in yards allowed and has generated pressure at a solid rate. Green Bay ranks near the top of the league in passing yards per game.
The matchup carries playoff implications for both sides in competitive division races. Jones’ stated goal remains simple: disrupt the quarterback and help New England secure the win.
