Wow, those throwback red jerseys are something, right? The Patriots brushed aside the Detroit Lions at Gillette Stadium in a convincing 29-0 victory, improving their record to 2-3 on the season. Here are the Ups & Downs from yesterday’s win!

Ups ⬆️

Rhamondre Stevenson

A career day for Stevenson, who had to carry the load after Damien Harris was ruled out with a hamstring injury.

He finished with 25 touches for 165 yards on the ground, a stunning, wrecking ball game from the second year player, who I think is really beginning to grow into a star on this team.

Jakobi Meyers

Extend this man, please! Jakobi Meyers once again played the star role of safety blanket for the Patriots QB, hauling in countless must have it conversions on his way to 7 catches for 111 YDS and 1 TD.

The touchdown was particularly pleasing, as it was his first of the season, and only third of his entire career. I really hope the team priorities a new contract for Meyers, as boy, he’s earned it.

Bailey Zappe

The kid done good! Zappe did what he was asked, his stats were nothing of note, but, he took care of the ball, barring the interception that was totally on Nelson Agholor.

With another week of uncertainty regarding Mac Jones’ injury, I’m a bit more comfortable with what I’ve seen out of the rookie, I’d much prefer the starter out there, but only when he’s healthy. A good first start in the NFL for ZAP ATTACK!

Matthew Judon

Judon’s storming start to the season just rolls on as he had another exceptional game yesterday. Mr red sleeves (who punked us all with blue sleeves pre-game, before changing into his traditionals) almost single-handidly dismantled Jarrod Goff.

Judon recorded 2 sacks, one of which was a strip, which led to Kyle Dugger returning it to the house. Another excellent solo game, he’s been the best defensive player so far.

Jack Jones

Another promising game for the rookie, topped with a great interception to double his tally for the season. Jones has shown ballhawk similarities early on to a certain Mr INT (J.C. Jackson), and boy am I excited to see how the rest of his season pans out. A big up!

Nick Folk

Big kick Nick, back again with a 100% game – 2/2 XP and 5/5 FGs.

As if I expected any less, he’s as steady as they come, and scored 17 points himself. Legend.

Kyle Dugger

Aside from his huge 59-yard scoop and score touchdown, I thought Dugger had a solid game in coverage, particularly on Hockenson, who wasn’t able to do anything. Dugger is a key player for the Pats on defense these days, and it’s certainly felt when he’s not on the field.

Downs ⬇️

No downs today, sure I could probably scrape a few together, but I was really impressed by the entire team yesterday. For this week, we’ll be ups alone.

A fun game to watch yesterday, unfortunately, ended in crushing fashion. Concerns now turn to Mac Jones following his serious injury late in the game. Until we know more, here are the Ups & Downs from yesterday’s loss to the Ravens.

Ups ⬆️

DeVante Parker

With Jakobi Meyers missing through injury, this game was a chance for Parker to break out and show off what many were excited about during Training Camp. And boy did he do just that.

Mac targeted #1 a game-high 10 times, with Parker bringing in 5 of them for a rousing 156 yards, certainly an inspiring performance, especially the play below where he showed off some superior skill.

Deatrich Wise Jr.

This was a storming game for Wise, he recorded 3 sacks and 4 TFL, almost single-handily keeping the Patriots in the game. Alongside Matt Judon, who’s been playing really well in his own right, Wise has really transformed into a big playmaker so far this season.

The newly-elected captain led from the front. A big UP!

Jonathan Jones

A solid game for Jones as he continues his tenure as CB1, a pick and a forced fumble place him firmly on the UP list.

Running Backs

I thought both Harris and Stevenson played really well yesterday, both bagged touchdowns and were productive on the ground throughout. We really need to see this partnership blossom even more, especially if the passing game lessens even further.

Downs ⬇️

Mac Jones

Any time your QB throws 3 picks and 0 TDs, they’re going to be on the down list. Mac looked improved in some areas, and worse in others, namely, his decision-making. On all of the interceptions, it seemed he was forcing the ball to Parker every time.

Then came his injury at the end of the game which is really troublesome, reports confirm it’s likely a severe high ankle sprain, with all options of recovery still on the table.

Nelson Agholor

The cardinal sin as a Patriots player, committing a turnover. Agholor fumbled for the second time this season and it completely deflated what was left in the offensive attack.

Myles Bryant

Another close miss for Bryant in punt duty, I just don’t get why the rookie Marcus Jones isn’t getting a go back there. Although it didn’t cost them, the error and Bryant’s below-par day in coverage lands him on my down list.

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!

Whilst I was really excited for the season, I can’t hide my disappointment of yesterday’s 20-7 loss to the Miami Dolphins. The Patriots fell behind in the first half to a 17-0 deficit and never recovered, plus they encountered some potentially serious injuries. Here are the ups & downs from week 1.

Ups ⬆️

Jakobi Meyers

Meyers turned out to be one of the few bright sparks in an otherwise dull day for the Patriots as he hauled in 4 catches for 55 yards. The stats don’t scream out a special game, but the catches were far from easy.

In a game which saw the offense really struggle, Meyers once again showed why he’s such an important commodity. A good game for him.

Matthew Judon + Deatrich Wise Jr.

Judon had the difficult task of competing against Terron Armstead all day, but, he shone through with a nice play to record his first sack of the season. The defensive rushing attack had some success yesterday which was encouraging to see.

Like Judon, Wise also flashed on a number of occasions and again stood out with his sack on Tua, which caused a fumble that was recovered by the Dolphins.

Downs ⬇️

Mac Jones

Mac had a disappointing game where he never really looked comfortable against a solid Miami defense. He started well on the opening drive of the game, before a deep shot to DeVante Parker was picked off.

Jones took a number of hits, which left us all concerned after the game as he went straight into the X-Ray room for examination on his back. Fortunatley, the tests were negative and he was experiencing back spasms.

I like to stay positive when I can, but, I do fear for this season a little already, with Mac’s availability up in the air for Week 2, it’s going to be a long week.

Offensive Line

I don’t think the line played well at all, Trent Brown didn’t seem all that interested or impactful, and our rookie first-rounder was benched early on after missing a block which led to a sack. The questions will start up again about whether or not the unit are getting clear instructions from Matt Patricia, who is also the defacto OC. If the O-line doesn’t get things in order quick, we might not have a starting QB for the entire season.

Nelson Agholor

I feel a little harsh putting Agholor on here, but ball security is one of the biggest priorities for Bill, and he fumbled what was a promising late drive, after a good catch from Kendrick Bourne. Agholor will come back from this, but it summed up an awful day for the Pats attack.