In the throwback red uniforms Bailey Zappe may have handed the ball off to the beast that is Rhamondre Stevenson plenty of times, but he also attempted 21 throws, with 17 completions for 188 yards, and… one touchdown.
Right now there is plenty to still nibble at that lower lip in concern for over the Patriots, but it’s victory Monday! And yes, whilst many will say “but the Lions defense sucks”, and they are not incorrect, may I please remind you… going into week 5 whilst the Lions were bottom, last, the worst, at points scored against them in the league with 141, they were also the very top at points scored in the whole league too, with 140.
So, to look at it another way, whilst the yes, third string rookie quarterback led, New England Patriots offense scored 29 points with only one touchdown against the bottom of the league Detroit Lions defense… they also held those top of the league in points scoring Lions to a big fat zero. Nada. Zilch. Zip.
Whilst there are still areas to be worked upon, I can feel confident saying there are areas to celebrate!
Let’s get down to business shall we?
The word that I wish I had a nice, shiny British pound (or a nice, crisp, one dollar bill) for, was poise. Bailey Zappe showed significant poise. AKA the kid performed really well under the fair amount of pressure he was under, and that’s definitely a point the commentators, and many since, have hammered home.
It would have been really easy for the guy to totally lose it, fumble and bumble, and he would actually have a decent excuse for doing so. He is a fourth round pick, rookie quarterback, in what was once known as one of the most difficult schemes in the NFL, with a still getting their stuffs together coaching staff.
Yeah it would have been naff having to use the excuse, but I’m not exactly wrong, am I?
However, we saw a team pull the whole thing together. Like a huge, glorious parcel, all the corners (figuratively, not literally… well maybe a bit literally) pulled way in, and made a nice tight, tidy bundle of a team.
Yeah, there were still the expected issues. I’m not a gambling girl per se but am curious to what the odds may be on an Isaiah Wynn false start/holding penalty call for, well, every game, and Nelson Agholor could probably do with some much stickier gloves!
However! Moving on to the glass, over half way full perspective!
Rhamondre Stevenson ploughed all over this game, and there’s not much that I can write that would really do this beast mode guy justice.
Tight man coverage on TJ Hockenson caused a huge headache for the Lions offense and Jack Jones, the ball hawk, displayed his lovely speed and athletic ability, with the late first quarter interception.
Following the mid-second quarter unfortunate interception from Nelson Agholor’s bobble, Jahlani Tavai attempted to grab hold of a runner whilst wrestling with TJ Hockenson, Adrian Phillips had a glorious take down, and Matthew Judon took on the mighty Penei Sewell and totally won.
If you are a defense aficionado then this game was all sorts of delightful treats for you.
Oh yes, and how ever can I forget, the beautiful sack by, who else, but Matthew Judon that was recovered by Kyle Dugger for the defensive touchdown!
The Patriots may have caused Sam Darnold to see ghosts, but I think that Jared Goff may be seeing a certain Mr Red Sleeves in his nightmares for a little while.
Cole Strange continued his positive progression with some more great work, and I spotted the elevated from practice squad tight end, Matt Sokol, throw up some nice, tidy blocks. Can I get a TIGHT ENDAGE anyone?
Speaking of tight endage (okay when am I not!?) but seriously, I can’t be the only one happy to see Hunter Henry out there catching a few balls, surely? He had a nice gain of 17 yards after the catch early in the third quarter, and then a late in the third quarter diving catch that was delightful!
Now, I know that’s not much, and plenty of you may be rolling your eyes, but hey it’s victory Monday, and we saw SOMETHING from the tight ends. I’ll take what I can get at this point.
Until next time, you lovely lot! Go Pats!
