The Patriots improved to 5-4 on the year after a sorry Colts team was put out to pasture at the hands of the Pats’ defense and special teams units. Here are the ups & downs from week 9!
Ups ⬆️
Matt Judon
Mr. Sleeves continued his reign of dominance yesterday, securing 3 sacks on poor Sam Ehlinger, taking his season sack total to 11.5, a current league-best! Judon has been incredible this season, and he continues to spearhead the pass-rush attack. Is he on pace to be DPOTY?
Josh Uche
The Patriots recorded 9 sacks in total yesterday, the highest in a game since 2001, equaling the franchise record. Josh Uche played his part in that total, by securing 3 sacks in one game, a career-best for the third-year linebacker. While this was against a lesser Colts offensive front than we’ve seen in recent years, it’s great to see Uche getting some production.
Marcus Jones
The rookie had another solid game on return duty, with 1 kick return for 34 yards and 3 punts averaging 11.3 yards. In a time where the Pats’ offense is struggling to move the ball consistently, getting good field position by any means is a priority, Jones has played his part in that so far this season, and again yesterday.
Jonathan Jones
Wow, what a game for Jon Jones! He blocked a punt which led to the Rhamondre Stevenson touchdown before picking off Sam Ehlinger and returning it for a 15-yard pick-6 touchdown. Jones will be a free agent after the season, he’s certainly making a case for a new deal with the team.
Nick Folk
Whilst I don’t like the reliance the team puts on Folk, he was money again yesterday, 2/2 XP & 4/4 on field goals. The 38-year-old continues to enjoy the twilight of his career in New England.
Downs ⬇️
The Offensive Line
Boy, where to start? The issues with the line continue, and it really isn’t helping out Mac Jones, who’s working through his own adversity at the minute. One note of concern is Cole Strange. He’s in deep space right now without David Andrews, he found himself being rotated out for Isaiah Wynn at guard, which managed to patch the leaks somewhat.
I’m not sure what the answer is to fix the issues completely, but getting David Andrews back would be a start, the team has missed him terribly.
Jakobi Meyers
He makes the list for his uncharacteristic fumble on what was an otherwise ok performance. Meyers caught 5/6 targets for 42 yards.
Jake Bailey
Something is off with Bailey, his punts this year have been all over the place, some good, some bad, some terrible. The team brought in some veteran punters last week which may work to get him back on track, but I’ve been quite disappointed in his performances, especially yesterday.
Kendrick Bourne
Like Meyers, Bourne makes the list for his fumble, which was probably worse than Jakobi’s, but fortunately, Bourne’s blushes were saved by a good J.J. Taylor recovery.