Some major positives to take from yesterday’s win against the Dolphins, I present your new weekly post-game player review, here’s yesterday’s ups & downs.
Ups ⬆️
Cam Newton
A fine start for Cam’s Patriot career in a game where he made very few mistakes. Newton led the Patriots offense passing 15/19 155 YDS, and rushing for 75 YDS, 2 TD’s. Something of note was his accuracy, although the passing game wasn’t off the charts today, Newton was good with his throws, he just needs better targets. A solid first start for the new number 1.
Chase Winovich
A player who has shown his second-year jump potential was Chase Winovich. Now seen as one of the more experienced pass rushers (alongside John Simon), Wino, played an important part in the teams run defense yesterday. He featured in 42 defensive snaps (68%) and was one of the stand-out contributors, a great start to his season.
Stephon Gilmore
The reigning DPOTY got a pay rise this week amid reports that he was becoming disgruntled about his contract situation, and on Sunday, he showed he was worth the money. Gilmore led the defense to a very solid start, recording 5 tackles, 1 PD, and 1 INT. It wasn’t the best game of his career, but given how things turned out the last time these two teams met, Gilmore should take a lot of satisfaction from his performance yesterday.
Adrian Phillips
Since arriving in the offseason, Adrian Phillips has been one I’ve been waiting to see in action for the team. Yesterday, Phillips slotted straight into the role left by Patrick Chung, grabbing a pick, and recording the most tackles on defense. A great start.
J.C. Jackson
The former UDFA continues to shine in New England and is emerging as a star CB in just his third year in the league. Now a regular feature in the teams deadly secondary, Jackson grabbed the game-ending interception late in the fourth quarter (the ninth of his career). Bill Belichick also went out of his way to praise Jackson’s performance, along with his mental toughness.
Honorable Mentions – J.J. Taylor, Jakob Johnson
Downs ⬇️
N’Keal Harry
Harry makes this list for one reason, his fumble in the third quarter which led to Miami’s TD. Fortunately, it didn’t cost the Patriots in the end, but it was a poor turnover in a team that has ball security as one of its top priorities. An otherwise mediocre game for Harry who caught 5/6 for 39 YDS. -Still waiting for his breakout game.
Nick Folk
The kicking position in New England still has a wanted sign in the shop window. Now, Folk wasn’t horrific, but a missed FG was not something the team needed. Folk went 0/0 FG and 3/3 XP – the miss, coming from 45 YDS out. Could be another year of multiple kickers being given an opportunity. Ugh.
Damiere Byrd
Byrd went without any targets during the game and also muffed a punt return, the latter is why he makes the list. Now, you can make the argument that J.C. Jackson was partly at fault, but really, Byrd should be doing much better with the opportunity given. Fortunately, the ball was recovered by the Patriots, so it didn’t cost them, but Byrd was immediately swapped out for Edelman on return duty.
My game preview score prediction was close! – Keep an eye out for my Seattle preview out on Wednesday!
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