Studs
CB Marcus Jones
Marcus Jones is turning into a triple threat for the Patriots. He played all three phases of the game. Jones’s first reception on offense went for 11 yards. Furthermore, he defended Deandre Hopkins and took over for the injured Jack Jones when he went down with an injury. Jones caught his first interception, an easy pass, as the pass rush brought the pressure. The rookie served as the returner for New England. As I’ll get into more later, the Patriots’ injuries may require some younger players to step up, starting with Marcus Jones.
LB Josh Uche/Matthew Judon
The pass rush was again dominant, as the pressured backup Colt McCoy the whole game. Josh Uche started slowly at the beginning of the season and didn’t get a sack for the first six weeks. However, he turned it around and has ten sacks in the last five games. (TEN!) Uche had a breakout season in his third year playing with the Wolverines, and he is starting to break out in his third season with the Patriots.
Rookie running backs
With second-year running back Rhamondre Stevenson getting injured early in the game and Damien Harris already inactive, the Patriots had to lean on rookies Pierre Strong Jr. and Kevin Harris to finish the game. Harris initially took over for Stevenson and had a few chunk plays. He scored on a 14-yard touchdown run set up by a key Kendrick Bourne block. He finished with eight carries for 26 yards and a touchdown. Pierre Strong Jr. saw some snaps in the second half and his speed and agility caught the eye of many. Strong had a 44-yard run and ended the night with five carries for 70 yards and a score. Strong Jr. averaged 14 yards per carry. Both running backs were slated towards a “red shirt’ year, but with Damien Harris and Rhamondre Stevenson battling through injuries, the pair showed they could be effective backups.
LB Raekwon McMillian
The speedy linebacker tipped the game in New England’s favor with a scoop and score when DeAndre Hopkins fumbled the ball in the Cardinal’s territory. Hopkins, known for being careless with the football, had the ball punched out by safety Kyle Dugger; McMillian picked up the ball and took it back to the house. It was New England’s fourth defensive touchdown of the season, tied for second in the league. After the touchdown, New England proceeded to put points on the board and secure the win in Glendale.
Nick Folk
Nick Folk returned to his usual self as he casually hit a 51-yard field goal to close out the second half. However, it is worth noting that the Patriots’ clock management at the half’s end was disastrous, leading to a long field goal attempt. Folk was able to nail the field goal and tie the game heading to halftime.
Hunter Henry
The Patriots have struggled to involve Hunter Henry in the offense, and after a season-high nine touchdowns last year, Henry only has 2 scores this season. Although Monday night Henry led all receivers with a season-high 70 receiving yards on three receptions. The Patriots have constantly struggled in the red zone, but with Henry recently playing more offensive snaps, he may be the answer to the Patriots scoring problems.
Duds
Injuries
The Patriots suffered plenty of injuries in Glendale. In the first quarter, starters WR DeVante Parker, RB Rhamondre Stevenson, and CB Jack Jones all exited the game. All three injuries were concerning for the Patriots. However, there is hope that Stevenson and Jones are ready to suit up in Vegas next Sunday. Devante Parker’s injury is more troubling as he seemed to suffer a concussion, which would likely mean he is inactive next week. As the Patriots enter their final stretch of the season, they hope to make the playoffs; this is the wrong time to start battling injuries.
Offensive line
Watching Mac Jones try to escape pressure is becoming a weekly performance as the offensive line is looking worse and worse as the season prevails. Matt Patrica is currently the offensive play-caller but also coaching the offensive line. That’s a lot on one’s plate, which is why both units struggle this season. The Cardinals like to blitz, and they brought the pressure on Monday night. Trent Brown committed two more penalties and caused the Patriots to move back on a crucial third-down.
Coaching
The coaching and clock moment is starting to raise eyebrows. The Patriots’ used their first, second half timeout on their first drive of the third quarter, which caused Mac Jones to show his frustration. New England committed eight penalties, and let a backup, move the field. The Patriots had plenty of time to rest after Week 13, and many reported the Patriots would show a change of attitude. That was not the case on Monday, as the Patriots played undisciplined football in Arizona. That performance may have worked against the four-win Cardinals, but the Patriots face tougher opponents down the stretch and have to turn it around penalty-wise.
Nelson Agholor
The one player on my dud list will be receiver Nelson Agholor who had crucial drops throughout the game. Agholor was signed by the Patriots during the 2021 offseason for 22 million dollars, but he hasn’t shined the way many hoped. Agholor almost cost the Patriots points when he fumbled the ball, but it was ruled an incomplete pass. Unfortunately, the Patriots’ receivers are getting banged up, and Agholor will have to continue improving as the season closes.
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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.
