1. Zappe strong in NFL debut
Since Mac Jones was inactive due to an ankle injury, backup quarterback Brian Hoyer was under center to start in Green Bay Meanwhile, that meant fourth-round draft pick Bailey Zappe would make the gameday roster for the first time in his career as a backup.
On the game’s second drive, Hoyer was sacked and immediately exited the field with a head injury. Zappe replaced him late in the first quarter, taking the field for the first time in his career.
It was later announced that Hoyer would not return, meaning Zappe would have to finish the game. Overall, Zape performed well, completing 10 of 15 pass attempts for 99 yards and a touchdown. New England dialed up the run game in the second half, which made life easier for Zappe, who then completed numerous play-action passes, one of which was a 25-yard touchdown to DeVante Parker.
Zappe will look to build on his performance, and he may get another chance this Sunday if Mac Jones is out.
2. Rookies impress
Numerous rookies had an impact on Sunday’s game. OG Cole Strange, CB Marcus Jones, CB Jack Jones, and QB Bailey Zappe contributed significantly.
Cole Strange held up well against a tough defensive line. Strange won matchups against top defensive tackle Kenny Clark and improved his run blocking, creating multiple holes for the Patriots running backs. There was criticism of Belichick’s decision to draft Strange in the first round. However, so far it has paid off.
Jack Jones made his first NFL start on Sunday due to the absence of starting quarterback Jalen Mills. Early in the game, Jones punched the ball out from receiver Romeo Doubs and then recovered it, creating a momentum swing.
Then at the end of the half, Jones picked off Aaron Rodgers and returned the interception for a touchdown. In over 3300 pass attempts for Rodgers at Lambeau field, that was only his second pick-six.
According to Belichick, Jones still “has a long way to go,” which is evident due to some missed tackles and game awareness. However, Jones should be earning himself more playtime. After the game, he told reporters, “I feel like it’s disrespectful to throw an out route on me.” That confidence is risky for a young cornerback, and we will see how it translates on Sunday.
Marcus Jones was excellent in the return game for the Patriots. He took over for Myles Bryant to return punts and excelled with a return of 20 yards and another for 29. Furthermore, he had a kickoff return for 36 yards giving New England great field position. Jones was an excellent returner in college and should continue to return for the Patriots.
3. Judon has another big game
Judon constantly applied pressure on Aaron Rodgers all game, making life hard for Green Bay.
Judon extended his streak to four straight games with at least one sack. Only the second Patriots player in history to record a sack in the first four games of the season. The only other player was Andre Tippet in the 1986 season.
If Judon can keep racking up his statistics, the Patriots will continue to thrive on defense.
4. Patriots run defense couldn’t stop the run
The Patriots run defense struggled to contain the Packers running backs. Aaron Jones and AJ Dillion ran for a combined 199 yards on 35 carries (averaging 5.7 yards per carry).
The Patriots were without starting defensive tackle Lawrence Guy, which contributed to the effort. Still, they are about to face a run-heavy Detriot Lions team who are averaging over five yards a carry.
5. Isaiah Wynn has another tough game
The 2022 season is not starting off well for Isaiah Wynn. Wynn got called for a holding penalty and a false start before getting beat by Rashan Gary, who sacked Brian Hoyer. Hoyer immediately had to leave the game following the hit.
Later in the game, Wynn couldn’t block Gary again, who forced a fumble on Zappe. Marcus Cannon temporarily replaced Wynn in the game, which was a sign of Wynn’s poor play.
The Patriots will need better protection, starting with Wynn playing better.
6. Special teams lacks again
The Patriots special teams unit is struggling again this season as they came into week four with the 26th ranked unit.
It did not improve on Sunday as punter Jake Bailey had two touchbacks, and late in the fourth quarter, Bailey recorded a 30-yard punt giving Rodgers great field position to win the game in regulation. Furthermore, New England had a couple of penalties on special teams, not helping the cause.
7. Tight ends still don’t get involved
New England’s tight ends had another tough game on Sunday. Jonnu Smith left the game in the first half due to a low ankle sprain and did not return. Furthermore, Hunter Henry counties to build on his slow start to the season; he had two receptions for 14 yards. Henry led the Patriots will nine touchdowns last season but has zero so far this season.
8. Patriots are now 1-3
The Patriots are 1-3 and last in the AFC east through four weeks of the season. However, the Patriots have the 11th easiest schedule for the rest of the season. The next seven opponents are Detriot, Cleveland, Chicago, New York, Indy, and New York (again), and Minnesota.
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.
