The Patriots extended their winning streak over the Jets to 13 games yesterday, with it being almost seven years since they last lost to their divisional rivals in December 2015!
The team struggled on offense, but, by hook or by crook, they travelled back to New England with a win to take them to 4-4 on the season.
Ups ⬆️
Rhamondre Stevenson
Stevenson has really been the life of this struggling Patriots offense by literally picking up the team and carrying it on his back. Rhamondre didn’t find the endzone, but he had 143 scrimmage yards, pretty much splitting half on the ground, half in the air. He’s been the team’s best offensive weapon so far, a big up!
Jakobi Meyers
In a close second behind Stevenson as the team’s best weapon, Meyers continued to be the only successful receiving outlet for Mac Jones as he pulled in 9/12 catches – 60 YDS – 1 TD. Meyers is the Pats’ leading receiver with 415 YDS through 8 weeks which is certainly putting up a strong argument for a new deal with the team.
Nick Folk
As he’s done in many games, Nick Folk was both vital and perfect for the Patriots yesterday, converting 1/1 XP & 5/5 FG – It’s easy to under-estimate the value of a good kicker, Folk is 17/17 on extra points for the year, and 15/17 on field goals.
Devin McCourty
What a day for Dmac! He snagged two picks from Zach Wilson to make him the current NFL-active career interception leader with 32. To be honest, both picks were more Wilson being utterly horrible rather than Dmac doing anything special, but, the future Patriots Hall of Famer was there to earn two big turnovers.
Downs ⬇️
The Offensive Line
The line really struggled yesterday, Marcus Cannon had a torrid time at right tackle, Cole Strange was benched, and the gap left by David Andrews at center was evident. If the team wants to give Mac Jones every chance of succeeding as the franchise QB, they have to show more in the blocking game.
Mac Jones
Mac wasn’t horrendous, and maybe he’s settling back in to his first full game since Week 3, but, he has to be better. He looked indecisive at times yesterday and was bailed out on a few occasions by some interesting penalties. Jones was also left out to dry by his line which didn’t make things any easier for him.
Mac has had a whirlwind last few weeks, but Bill came to his defense post game with some supportive comments, I just hope #10 can kick on and find some of the form he had in his rookie year.
Big game against the Colts on Sunday! LFG!