A massive win in Pittsburgh brought the Patriots’ record on the season to .500 at 1-1. Let’s take a look at the ups & downs from week 2!
Ups ⬆️
Nelson Agholor
A much better week for Agholor who was on the down list following his late-game fumble against Miami last Sunday. He finished with 6 catches for 110 yards and a touchdown, of which was a brilliant grab high up above the Steelers defender, before running it in.
Something which most of us thought Parker would be doing, Agholor decided to do instead, a great contest catch and score which was a huge point in the game.
Jakobi Meyers
Safety blanket Jakobi Meyers was at it again this week, hauling in 9 catches for 95 yards. For me, he’s been the most important cog in the offense so far this season, without him out there, I worry how the team will move the chains, another good week for #16.
Matthew Judon
Judon had a solid time out there on Sunday, he recorded a sack and also made a big play in coverage, breaking up a pass that was intended for Najee Harris. Judon’s performances tapered off last year down the stretch, but if he can keep a consistent level going this season, it will be huge for the Pats.
Brenden Schooler
The UDFA special teamer made a play against former-Patriots All-Pro Gunner Olszewski muffed a punt, allowing Schooler to recover for an important takeaway.
The Offensive Line
A much better week from the line, who seemed more on the same page, allowing the offense to get some drives together. More noticeably, Cole Strange was making so big blocks against Cam Hayward which stuck out to me, I wanna see more of that! Not the finished article by any stretch, but a note of improvement for the unit.
Downs ⬇️
Mac Jones
It was better, but still not good enough for our starting QB. Mac looked at times indecisive and then too decisive to the point of choosing a player to throw to prior to snapping the ball it seemed. The pre-snap penalties were killers, for which he must shoulder some blame.
The interception was a poorly thrown ball and right now he just doesn’t look as comfortable as he did last year. I have faith that he’ll turn things around and I think he has the ability to do so, but not good enough again.
Myles Bryant
A very weird scenario on his punt return, nearly costing the Patriots a possession. What an ugly play. I think we’ll see someone else fielding punts next week, perhaps rookie Marcus Jones?
Big game coming up this weekend against Baltimore, LFG!