A game in which many, myself included, struggled to see a scenario where Denver would come away victorious yesterday, ended up with egg on our face as the Patriots fell 18-12. Here are the ups and downs from Week 6.
Ups ⬆️
Cornerbacks
Say what you will about yesterday’s performance, but in parts, the defense played very well. More specifically, it was the CB’s who played well. Firstly, Jon Jones went 1/8 on passing targets against him and allowed just 16 yards, recorded two PBU, and one INT. Stephon Gilmore had a good game also, along with J.C. Jackson who grabbed the other of Drew Lock’s interceptions.
Whilst they did allow some chunk plays, they were instrumental in red zone defense by restricting the Broncos to just field goals all day, they were by far the best unit on the field.
Jake Bailey
Pro Bowl Bailey, can we get this trending already? Bailey has continued to be one of the most consistent players for the franchise, now, I know what you’re thinking, he’s a punter. He is, but he’s integral to how the Patriots play their football, his ability to flip field position is really helping the defense out, and they need it right now.
I was skeptical after the team let Ryan Allen go, but I’m all for King Bailey, and long may his reign continue.
Ja’Whaun Bentley
Bentley had a strong game which was great to see after he’s not had the best of starts to the season. But yesterday he was heavily involved, recording 12 tackles, half a sack, and two TFL’s. With the LB core already stretched thin, the team will be needing him to continue to develop as the season moves on, but he’s certainly moving in the right direction if he keeps on playing like that.
Downs ⬇️
Cam Newton
Wasn’t himself yesterday, and had a pretty poor game by his standards. It’s a real shame that in a game where he moved to second overall in the NFL all-time QB rushing list behind Michael Vick, ended in his worst performance so far as a Patriot.
Now, there are lots of passes we can hand out for Cam, his recovery from Covid, his lack of practice over the last couple of weeks, but, we’ve seen him run all over Miami, throw it all over Seattle, and yesterday simply wasn’t good enough.
He held on to the ball far too long at times, his decision to throw the ball when a Denver lineman was basically in his face, which caused a turnover. He just wasn’t there yesterday.
I don’t worry with Cam, I think he will turn it up next week against the 49ers and have a statement game.
Julian Edelman
Jules just isn’t Jules right now. I can’t imagine how difficult having hampering injuries is to deal with, it must be tough, and it’s certainly impacting his performances.
I understand he isn’t the Edelman we used to have, but after putting up career-high numbers against Seattle, why can’t he do it against Oakland or Denver? Whilst he went 2/6 on receptions for just eight yards yesterday, he’s made it clear his heart is still with the Patriots and the game of football.
Offensive Line
I feel bad for putting these guys down here, and they do get a bit of a pass, I think at one point before the first half ended, each starting offensive lineman was playing out of position.
But they didn’t help Cam out a whole bunch yesterday, the Denver front was just eating them alive in parts of the game. When Hjalte Froholdt came in for Eluemunor, the first play a Broncos edge rusher breezed past him like he wasn’t there.
With Andrews on IR, Mason on the reserve/COVID list, and Eluemunor injured during the game, the Patriots are hurting at that position right now. I think they’ll be fine with some practice to become familiar with the new setup, but it isn’t going to happen overnight. Hopefully, if Andrews can return soon to resume at Center, some normality can resume across the line.
Also just a side note, I hope my fellow Brit Jermaine is alright, the injury looked a nasty one yesterday.
Coaching
This has happened a few times this season already, which leaves me scratching my head. We all know what I’m talking about, the James White 3rd down non-challenge, which I just can’t believe anybody mentioned it to Bill over the headset to throw the flag.
This one wasn’t on Bill in my opinion, we can’t expect him to see everything, that’s what you have people in the boxes up high for, and they really let him down yesterday. Did it prevent the Patriots from scoring points? -Yes Would it have changed the result? – Who knows
All I do know is, mistakes like this need to stop, and it starts with the coaching.