The season for the Patriots is officially over, and they finished on a win. Lots of changes coming in the offseason! But first, let’s look back on Week 17’s Ups and Downs.
Ups ⬆️
Jakobi Meyers
What a way to end his second season in the NFL, led the team in receiving yards and also threw his second touchdown of the season. Jakobi Meyers is a lock for my roster next year already, his coming of age as a reputable WR in this league has been a joy to watch, brilliant again.
Devin Asiasi
Both rookies in the Tight End position have been disappointing this year, whether not playing due to injury, or having zero production, but, we got a small spark from Asiasi on Sunday as he snagged his first career touchdown. Whilst his overall rookie year has been one to forget, this was a nice way to end it.
Sony Michel
Probably the best player on the pitch on Sunday, Michel produced both in the air and on the ground when the Pats needed him most. With Harris placed on IR prior to the game, Michel was the lead back and amassed 76 yards on the ground and 60 through the air, and his first career receiving touchdown. The thing I took most from this performance was the realization that Michel can be a passing-back for this team, something which he was highly touted as out of college.
Cam Newton
If this was Cam’s final game as a Patriot, I was happy to see him get the win and play well to end the season. He had a better day throwing the ball, which allowed the Patriots to score points and move away from the Jets. Don’t get me wrong, he wasn’t perfect, but he played his part in helping the Pats get the W.
Chase Winovich
Wino finished his second season in strong fashion with two sacks, two tackles for loss, a pass defended, four tackles, and three QB hits. A nice way to end the season after a sporadic campaign that saw him at times get less time on the field and play out of position. But hopefully, the coaches have figured out how they want to utilize him moving into next season, because boy, he has one hell of a motor.
Jake Bailey
Another solid performance by Bailey to go along with 15 others from earlier in the season, a great second year for him, the Patriots most consistent player.
Honorable Mentions: Gunner Olszewski, Jon Jones
Downs⬇️
Myles Bryant
A tough game for Bryant, on one drive he missed a tackle, missed an interception that was caught by a Jets receiver, then was called for helmet-to-helmet hit on the Jets TD. A learning game for Bryant, but I think he has something to offer at the position, another pre-season will tell us more.
Korey Cunningham
Came in to offer relief to the injured Justin Herron and struggled for most of the game that he played.