New England Patriots
Boutte’s catch — one among his three, for 75 yards, on a day when Patriots receivers got here by repeatedly even with restricted alternatives — was a factor of magnificence amid a brawl.
Welcome to the Unconventional Evaluate, an prompt response to standouts, stats, and story strains from the Patriots’ most up-to-date recreation …
I can not say that it was one of the spectacular catches within the historical past of the NFL. Not now. Not but. The second must settle somewhat earlier than context arrives in full.
Nevertheless it positive is tempting to declare that Kayshon Boutte’s third-down, full-speed, full-extension, one-handed, 32-yard landing seize within the fourth quarter is worthy of such reward and consideration.
I’ll resist that hyperbole — for now — and put it this manner: When Boutte reached out, Plastic Man-style, and hauled in Drake Maye’s throw, what got here to thoughts was a spotlight reel of probably the most mind-blowing catches we’ve seen over time, from Lynn Swann to John Jefferson to Randy Moss to the popularizer of the one-handed seize, Odell Beckham Jr.
Julian Edelman’s catch of a ricocheting soccer simply earlier than it hit the turf in opposition to the Falcons in Tremendous Bowl LI is the best unorthodox catch ever. I’ve heard an obscure Giants receiver made one as soon as, too, however that’s an investigation for an additional day.
What got here to thoughts first, you ask? The identical factor that got here to thoughts for you: “Whoa, did he truly catch that?” A few of us might have mentioned it extra colorfully than others.
Boutte’s catch was obligatory, too. We have been advised all week that the Texans’ protection was as ferocious as any in current NFL lore, and it seems which will have undersold it.
The Patriots led, 21-13 — only a one-possession recreation — when, on third and 4 at 12:58 of the fourth quarter, Maye lofted the go down the precise sideline, the place Boutte, coated effectively, plucked it from the sky along with his proper hand. The landing gave the Patriots a secure 12-point lead, permitting followers at house and at Gillette Stadium to exhale.
Boutte’s catch — one among his three, for 75 yards, on a day when Patriots receivers got here by repeatedly even with restricted alternatives — was a factor of magnificence amid a brawl.
It’s a catch we’re going to recollect for a very long time, particularly if the magical run continues with two extra wins. (Deliver it on, Stidham.)
For now, we’ll name it among the finest catches in Patriots’ historical past, with its precise place within the order to be decided by simply how particular this season proves to be.
Some additional ideas, upon fast overview …
THREE PLAYERS WORTH WATCHING
Gamers instructed within the Unconventional Preview: Will Anderson Jr., Stefon Diggs, Milton Williams.
Marcus Jones: This merchandise might be titled Any Patriots Defensive Again of Your Alternative. Carlton Davis intercepted two passes — his first two as a Patriot — although he additionally dedicated a pair of pass-interference penalties and was referred to as for a facemask. Rookie security Craig Woodson had an interception, and whereas Christian Gonzalez didn’t, he was in full lockdown mode on the Texans receivers all afternoon and led the Patriots with 9 tackles.
However the vote right here goes to Jones, as a result of he put factors on the scoreboard on a day when the Patriots struggled to show Stroud’s miscues into factors. Trailing, 10-7, early within the second quarter, Okay’Lavon Chaisson walloped Stroud, who reacted by chucking the ball up for grabs. Jones caught the alley-oop and returned it 26 yards for a landing, giving the Patriots a lead they’d not relinquish.
Inform me you observed how becoming it was that the Patriots had 4 interceptions and a pick-6 on a day when Corridor of Famer Ty Legislation — who intercepted Peyton Manning 3 times within the AFC Championship recreation precisely 22 years in the past — had “Keeper of the Mild” honors.
Will Anderson Jr.: Right here’s a query for you. Which celebrity defensive lineman had a extra dominating efficiency in opposition to the Patriots this season? The Browns’ Myles Garrett with 5 sacks in Week 8, or Anderson with three sacks, two pressured fumbles, and one daylong reminder that Will Campbell’s arm size may be an issue in sure conditions? Given the stakes, I say it’s Anderson. Particular participant.
Milton Williams: The Patriots have a game-changing defensive lineman of their very own, after all, and Williams was on the forefront of a forceful all-around defensive efficiency. He was the one who blew up the play that led to Jones’s pick-6, and he additionally hit working again Woody Marks so onerous early that the Texans working again misplaced his helmet. (Marks additionally misplaced a shoe and his helmet once more later within the recreation.)
GRIEVANCE OF THE GAME
Simple name right here, except you need to chirp about some ticky-tack pass-interference calls. It needs to be Maye’s 4 fumbles. He was underneath duress all day, however he has to do a greater job of defending the ball. He is aware of it. So do the Broncos.
THREE NOTES SCRIBBLED IN THE MARGINS
Predicted last rating: Patriots 17, Texans 13
Last rating: Patriots 28, Texans 16
One of many causes I take pleasure in ESPN’s Joe Buck-Troy Aikman crew a lot is the latter’s easy-going method of being blunt. Aikman simply can’t cover it — he actually doesn’t even hassle making an attempt — when he’s annoyed with a quarterback’s efficiency. On the finish of the primary half, he mentioned of Stroud, “It seems to be like he’s simply throwin’ and hopin’.” He was even more durable on him, rightfully, as the sport wound to an in depth. “C.J. Stroud has been chasing his rookie success for the final two years,’’ mentioned Aikman. “He’s not been the identical participant. We’ve not seen the event from him. There’s a motive for that, and it needs to be addressed.” Tony Romo would by no means inform us that … I assumed the Texans ought to have benched Stroud at halftime and gone with Davis Mills, however I assume there are long-term implications of benching your “franchise” quarterback in a playoff recreation … Rhamondre Stevenson missed a piece of the sport with a watch harm, however nonetheless ran for 70 yards on 16 carries. He was a workhorse on a fourth-quarter drive that helped the Patriots take greater than six minutes off the clock.
Do you assume the Patriots will make it to the Tremendous Bowl?
