I never, ever, get tired of VICTORY MONDAY! Now, yesterday’s win wasn’t the most glamorous in franchise history, but it sure felt good. Here are the ups and downs from Week 12.
Ups ⬆️
Adam Butler
Adam Butler is top of the ups today, and for good reason. He was the star performer in yesterday’s close win against Arizona. Butler caused problems during the game whilst recording a sack, two tackles for loss, three QB hits, and, a deflected pass which led to the Adrian Phillips interception.
The pressure Butler put on Murray was important in not allowing Arizona to become settled in their passing game. I’m a big fan of Butler, hope he continues to take strides and stay healthy.
Nick Folk
The importance of kickers is sometimes lost in the shuffle of post-game analysis, but not for this team. Nick Folk again the hero for the Patriots after nailing another game-winning field goal.
Any reservations I had about the teams kicking situation are in the past for now, sure, Folk isn’t the future of this team’s place kick duties, but at least for now, it’s one if the few positions that doesn’t need fixing right away.
James White
Whilst not his most flattering day in pass blocking and statistics, James White provided the goods in the form of two vital touchdowns for the Patriots. White is a free agent at the end of this season, I would love to see him back to finish his career with the Patriots, one of my all time favorites.
Ja’Whaun Bentley
Bentley has had a mixed bag of performances this season, but he had a good game yesterday. Whist recording a career-high 13 tackles, he also was part of the defensive group who prevented Kenyan Drake’s fourth down barrage at the end of the first half. A better day for Bentley.
Honorable Mentions: Jakob Johnson, Adrian Phillips, Chase Winovich, Jake Bailey
Downs ⬇️
N’Keal Harry
After being incorrectly vilified for two penalties he didn’t commit last Sunday, Harry was at fault for a holding call yesterday, he also went 0/3 on targets from Newton, a disappointing day for Harry. Time is slowly running out for him I fear.
Cam Newton
Newton was pretty poor yesterday, his passing was off, got caught in the backfield several times and just never really got going. Now, I will give him some props for his play at the end of the game, penalty or not (which I did think was a correctly called helmet to helmet flag), Newton helped the team into range of the game winning kick.
The two picks were both poor and I couldn’t help feel that a competent passer yesterday might have helped alleviate some of the pressure against the run. It’s now confirmed my thought that the team should move on at the position next year.
Jason McCourty
Watching yesterday’s game, it felt like Jmac was struggling. He was caught holding Arizona TE Dan Arnold just outside the end zone which allowed the Cardinals a fresh set of downs and soon after, the score. Jason’s time in New England has been positive for the most part, but I think we’re seeing his final games with this franchise.
