Three Studs and four duds from New England’s home opener

FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – SEPTEMBER 25: Quarterback Mac Jones #10 of the New England Patriots celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the second quarter at Gillette Stadium on September 25, 2022 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)

Studs:

1. DeVante Parker

DeVante Parker had himself a day in New England. With Jakobi Meyers being inactive due to a knee injury, a veteran pass catcher had to step up, and that was Parker. Parker had five receptions for 156 yards, four yards short of a career-high. Although Mac Jones targeted Parker on two of his interceptions, Parker made some highlight reel plays.

2. Deatrich Wise had a HUGE day

Wise had a career day tallying three sacks, four TFL, and five solo tackles. Wise said after the game,” Honestly, I want to give all the thanks to my guys on the back end who were able to hold the guy, defend the guy,” Wise said. ” There was a lot of pressure on the end with Judon and [Christian] Barmore, but all the guys in the middle were pushing the pocket and keeping him contained as I came around the edge and had a few sacks.”

Although Wise could not generate any sacks after halftime, he looks to build on a huge performance.

3. Jonathon Jones

Jonathon Jones played a great game Sunday, generating a forced fumble and interception. Jones covered receiver Rashod Bateman most of the game and allowed one completion for 35 yards. If Jones can continue his dominance, it will strongly affect New England’s defense.

Duds:

1. Mac Jones Injury

Jones appeared to be in plenty of pain while being helped into the locked room. His X-Rays after the game reportedly returned negative, but reports believe he suffered a high ankle sprain. Jones talked with the media Monday, stating he was “Day to Day” and would seek treatment options.

If Jones can not play Sunday, veteran back up Brain Hoyer will take his place.

2. Isaiah Wynn

Isaiah Wynn had another tough outing on Sunday. Wynn committed two costly penalties in the first quarter, one of which backed New England out of field goal position. It was the second week in the row Wynn struggled. He also allowed a sack later in the game, which forced a fourth down.

3. Special teams

Bill Belichick prides himself in special teams, and the Patriots did not look strong in that aspect of the game. For the second straight week, Myles Bryant muffed a punt. Punter Jake Bailey also had multiple touchbacks, and the punt team allowed a 42-yard return from Devin Duvernay, which set the Ravens up for great field position.

The Patriots need to clean up on special teams if they want to compete in tough games.

4. Tight ends

New England is paying their tight ends a combined 50 million, and their production is not looking promising. They combined for five receptions for 38 yards. Henry led the Patriots with nine touchdowns last season but remains quiet in the first couple of weeks of the season.

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