The New England Patriots looked atrocious during the early portion of Sunday’s matchup with the Carolina Panthers — and then… they didn’t.
Marcus Jones made an early house call. Christian Gonzalez made a couple of nice plays against Tetairoa McMillan. Drake Maye led three consecutive surgical drives, and that pretty much did it.
It’s crazy how much things can change over the course of one week, huh?
The Patriots came out on top, 42-13, putting together their best home effort in half a decade and resetting things as they approach a pivotal stretch in their schedule. I’ve got some takeaways, so let’s boogie:
VRABEL’S MESSAGE
“We talk about the good, the bad, and the (expletive) that gets you beat,” Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel told members of the media during training camp.
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The Patriots didn’t seem to get that message through three weeks, but things definitely improved in this one…
New England didn’t turn the ball over, established the run and limited… okay, penalties are still an issue. It’s hard to complain about a four-score victory at home when you haven’t been able to find any sort of consistency, though, so take this game as an example of that start of what folks can only hope to be steady improvement.
The New Orleans Saints, Tennessee Titans, Cleveland Browns, New York Jets. Cincinnati Bengals and New York Giants will be on the docket over the next couple of months, so there’s hope for something of a run to be made, folks.
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MCDANIELS’ SHOWCASE
Josh McDaniels was in his bag on Sunday.
(I’ve heard the cool kids say that before, and I think it applies.)
McDaniels had a tremendous response after his unit’s first drive went nowhere, scheming up gains of 24, 21 and 22 yards over the course of four plays by utilizing motion to give his tight ends and running backs the numbers advantage on a screen, end-around and zone run. The Patriots scored on three consecutive drives following their initial three-and-out.
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McDaniels’ value to this offense is immeasurable, and will continue to be as this team looks to build on a few tremendous offensive weeks.
DIGGS’ RISE = DOUGLAS’ DEMOTION
Stefon Diggs essentially replaced DeMario Douglas on Sunday, earning the majority of his snaps in the slot and bumping his young teammate off the field for all but a few garbage time repetitions.
It’s safe to say that decision paid dividends…
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Diggs finished with 101 yards on six receptions, his best performance in the uniform and something of an obvious signal that he’s well on his way toward becoming a focal point within the offense. Maye loves throwing to him in crucial situations — the two connected on three first downs — and should only continue to rely on the veteran moving forward.
SPRINGER’S SPECIAL TEAMS SQUAD
Jeremy Springer has been one of the lone bright spots — coaching staff or roster — to follow over the last couple of seasons, with his special teams unit continuously being among the best in football.
The Patriots entered this week among the league leaders in return average (9th; 22.83) and improved that number with an 87-yard punt return touchdown by Marcus Jones — as well as another return that went for 61.
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New England has done a tremendous job bringing aboard offensive and defensive contributors that hold tremendous value on special teams — like Jones, Marte Mapu, Antonio Gibson and Mack Hollins.
PROBLEMS ON THE SECOND LEVEL
The Patriots’ linebackers are being targeted, both figuratively and literally.
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New England’s opponents have consistently made a living targeting Robert Spillane, Christian Elliss and Jack Gibbens, with opposing running backs and tight ends accounting for 45 receptions, 426 yards and three touchdowns through four weeks — which is too much.
Spillane has been good, but the inconsistency of his two main cohorts might signal a change is coming — perhaps in the form of more snaps for Mapu or Jahlani Tavai.
Featured image via Bob DeChiara/Imagn Images
