Studs:
CB Jack Jones
Jack Jones played exceptionally well on Sunday; according to PFF, he was the highest-rated cornerback in week four. Furthermore, Jones earned the fifth highest single-game rating, according to reporter Doug Kyed. (Tweet) Jones finished with seven tackles, one interception, a forced fumble, one fumble recovery, and a touchdown in his first career start.
CB Marcus Jones
While Marcus Jones did not have the defensive outing as Jack Jones, he was one of the Patriots best players on the field. Jones returned kicks and punts for the first time in his career. He averaged 24.5 yards on two punts returns and 27.8 yards on kickoffs. Jones speed and vision to return the ball well continuously give New England a boost.
Running backs
New England’s running game propelled the offense on Sunday; Damien Harris and Rhamondre Stevenson ran for 152 yards on 32 carries, averaging just over six yards. Belichick used the new scheme of outside zone and the old scheme to find success. The offensive line also had a great game as Cole Strange, Micheal Onwenu, Trent Brown, and David Andrews had high run grades.
LB Matt Judon
Judon extended his streak to four games with at least one sack. Judon consistently applied pressure to Green Bay and reached Rodgers multiple times. Judon also forced Rodgers to throw the ball away on numerous occasions.
Duds:
OT Isaiah Wynn
Wynn had another disappointing game; he was benched temporarily in the second half for veteran tackle Marcus Cannon, who was elevated from the practice squad Saturday. Wynn allowed two costly sacks, one of which took quarterback Brain Hoyer out of the game, and the other was a strip sack on Bailey Zappe. Wynn has tallied six pentiles in the last three games, he needs to clean his performance up, or he may not be starting anymore. The 2018 draft pick is coming up on his contract year, and his time in New England might end.
Run Defense
New England allowed Aaron Jones and Aj Dillon to run for 183 yards on 33 yards. The defense allowed 5.5 yards a carry. The Patriots missed veteran lineman Lawrence Guy who was out due to a shoulder injury. Safety Adrian Phillps said Monday, “One thing we need to get better at is stopping the run because our defense is built on stopping the run.”
Special teams
Despite the return game, New England did not execute well on special teams. The Patriots entered the game Sunday ranked 26th on special teams, and their struggles continue. Punter Jake Bailey had two touchbacks and another rough punt late in the fourth quarter that could have been costly. New England also got flagged on special teams three times.
Honorable Mentions:
Duds: CB Myles Bryant, Conservative play calling, TE Hunter Henry
Studs: QB Zappe, OG Cole Strange, Bill Belichick
My name is Ben Belford-Peltzman and I am the creator and writer of The Patriots Beat. I am a 17-year kid who is an optimistic pessimist about the City of Champions. I started The Patriots Beat in August of 2022 and never expected to grow so much but here we are. Feel free to email Thepatriotsbeat@gmail.com with any inquires.
