A weird, weird game that ended with the Patriots pulling off a 13-point comeback to win and move to 2-3 on the season. Here are your ups and downs from Week 5!

Ups ⬆️

Offensive Line

The performance by the line yesterday was far from perfect, but, given the team was dealing with an unprecedented situation, I thought they did a good job overall. David Andrews was the only regular starter to play as backups were plugged in at positions across the line. And for the most part, they protected the QB.

The line is still one of my biggest concerns for this team, but, yesterday was the first time this season I had something positive to say about the unit. Something to build on for sure.

Nick Folk

The missed extra point aside, Folk was crucial for the Patriots once again as he smashed through four field goals to continue his impressive stint with the team. I felt for Folk after his game-ending miss last week against the Bucs, but he managed to bounce back this week. He’s been one of the more reliable players on the team, and long may it continue.

Matt Judon

Matt Judon is a MACHINE! Wow, he just keeps on impressing following another strong performance against Houston. In a day when the defense was lacking, Judon again was the bright spark who was able to make some plays. His two-sack game moved his tally to 6.5 for the season, eclipsing Chase Winovich who led the team with 5.5 sacks last year.

My thoughts turn to who else is going to step up and support Judon at this level, if more players can chip in, it will make it more difficult for the opposition to scheme against his attacking threat.

Hunter Henry

TE Alert! For the second straight game, Hunter Henry has caught a touchdown. It’s felt like an eternity since the team had players at the TE position making scoring plays in the red zone, but for two weeks straight they’ve managed to produce. Henry had a nice day, making a number of crucial third-down catches to help out Mac Jones, he finished with 6/8 – 75 YDS – 1TD.

Downs ⬇️

Damien Harris

Welp, I was just getting over Harris’ opening day fumble against Miami, and then BAM! Another one, this time on the goal-line just as he was running in for a would-be touchdown. I cannot believe how bad ball security has been so far this season, it’s very unlike the Patriots for this to be a nagging problem through multiple weeks.

Harris did manage to have some better runs after this, but it’s not good and it lands him on the down list.

Joejuan Williams

I just recall Williams getting burned by the Texans practice squad elevation, Chris Conley, on a number of occasions. It was tough to watch, Williams never looked competent in coverage. I think he was eventually benched which just capped off a poor day for him.

J.C. Jackson

Jackson played his worst game so far this season just after the team let go their franchise cornerback. Unfortunate timing, but no way around it, yesterday was a bad day at the office for Jackson who has to be better if he wants to lead the unit.

I’m still torn on what the team will do with him by the end of the season, everything is on the table. Franchise tag, extension, or, let him test out free agency.