MINNEAPOLIS — The New England Patriots began Sunday’s game against the Minnesota Vikings looking like nothing had changed since last week’s trouncing by the Miami Dolphins. However, they rebounded big after poor opening drives by the offense and defense.
The Patriots’ defense took over and showed its true potential — making plays, stopping the run and putting pressure on Vikings quarterback Matt Cassel.
The Patriots’ offense has a ways to go before it’s firing on all cylinders, but it was a much more complete performance by quarterback Tom Brady and his unit after a tale of two halves against the Dolphins.
Check out the Patriots’ stars of the game from the 30-7 win at TCF Bank Stadium.
CHANDLER JONES
Jones was allowed to play to his strengths as the Patriots used more four-man fronts against the Vikings. Jones also was used as an outside linebacker in the 3-4, and he was able to shade out farther on three-man fronts.
Jones finished with two sacks, three QB hits, two tackles for loss, a blocked field goal and a 58-yard touchdown return. That’s the Jones we expected to see when the season started.
LOGAN RYAN
Ryan was tasked with a difficult assignment — covering one of the most explosive receivers in the NFL — and did a great job, allowing just three receptions for 39 yards to Cordarrelle Patterson. Ryan also picked off Vikings quarterback Matt Cassel on a target to Patterson in the third quarter.
The Patriots traded their No. 29 overall pick in the 2013 NFL draft to the Vikings for second-, third-, fourth- and seventh-round draft picks. The Vikings took Patterson, and the Patriots picked Ryan in the third round with the Vikings’ pick. On Sunday, it looked like the Patriots won that trade. Ryan was flagged for pass interference on Patterson during the Vikings’ final offensive drive when the game was out of hand.
TOM BRADY
We saw a vintage performance out of Brady, who made some impressive throws to Julian Edelman and finished the game 15-of-22 passing for 149 yards and one touchdown.
Brady only was sacked once, and it was a much better performance from the Patriots’ offensive line in pass protection. Their run blocking was a different story, however.
Maybe it wasn’t a 400-yard game with five touchdowns, but no one could complain about Brady’s passing, especially in direct comparison with his buddy Cassel.
Honorable mentions go out to cornerback Darrelle Revis and safety Devin McCourty for interceptions, linebacker Dont’a Hightower for another strong game in pass rush with two sacks, Julian Edelman for leading the way among receivers, Stevan Ridley for gaining 101 hard-earned yards on the ground, rookie Dominique Easley for a diving pick and Jerod Mayo for putting together a nice overall game after a disappointing Week 1.
