New England Patriots
Rookies Kyle Williams, TreVeyon Henderson, and Elijah Ponder gave the Patriots a lift.
With Rhamondre Steveson and Kayshon Boutte out, the Patriots wanted rookies TreVeyon Henderson and Kyle Williams to step up on offense.
Each delivered with explosive performs that led to touchdowns, because the Patriots pulled off a 28-23 conquer Tampa Bay on the highway.
The Patriots’ hype prepare simply retains on chugging alongside. New England has gained seven straight video games.
In a battle of MVP candidates, Baker Mayfield appeared to have the extra environment friendly efficiency, however Drake Maye was in a position to get huge performs when he wanted them, placing New England excessive.
New England had points containing Emeka Egbuka, however the Patriots as soon as once more made sufficient performs to flee with an in depth victory.
Right here’s a take a look at who stood out and who struggled.
TreVeyon Henderson
The rookie operating again lastly had the breakout efficiency that Patriot Nation had been ready for.
He broke free for a pair of electrifying runs, together with the decisive landing late within the fourth quarter the place he had sufficient area to shoot a glance over to the sideline earlier than scampering in for a 69-yard rating.
Whether or not it was selecting up a primary down on a third-down toss play, or bursting straight up the center and profitable a footrace to the endzone, Henderson’s pace was an element on this recreation.
It’s the primary multi-touchdown recreation and first 100-yard efficiency for the speedy rookie.
Kyle Williams
Patriots coach Mike Vrabel mentioned earlier within the week that Williams would seemingly be in for a much bigger position with Boutte injured.
Williams was prepared when his quantity was known as. His solely catch of the day was an enormous one — raced 72-yards for a landing after catching a play-action move from Maye.
It was Williams’s first catch because the Week 3 loss to Pittsburgh. He turned on the jets, exhibiting the big-play skill that the Patriots noticed in him.
Elijah Ponder
The rookie linebacker picked up his first profession sack, and the hassle he made to get it was noteworthy.
It was 2nd-and-4 within the fourth quarter with the Bucs trailing by 5. Ponder rushes off the sting and almost will get Mayfield the primary time, however winds up whiffing.
He refused to surrender on the play whereas he was on the bottom, bear-crawling till he was shut sufficient to wrap Mayfield’s legs up as he tried to flee the pocket.
Jack Gibbens
Gibbens had ten tackles, together with a sort out for loss.
He ought to have had an interception too. Mayfield threw a move proper at him, but it surely went proper by his arms.
The veteran linebacker was everywhere in the subject making performs.
Okay’Lavon Chaisson
Chaisson was the one Patriot to hit Mayfield twice.
He had a sack, and almost got here up with a second one within the fourth quarter however Mayfield was in a position to pitch it away on the final second.
The previous first-round decide has 4 sacks during the last 4 video games.
Your complete offensive line
The offensive line stabilized itself after a pair of shaky performances in opposition to Cleveland and Atlanta.
Maye was sacked simply as soon as. Henderson had holes to run by. A a lot cleaner efficiency from the large guys up entrance than that they had been delivering in current weeks.
Drake Maye
Maye went 16-for-31 passing (51 p.c), marking his lowest completion proportion of the season. He additionally prolonged his interception streak to a few video games.
However Maye was in a position to join with Williams and Mack Hollins on deep performs in key moments. He received going early by working the ball to Stefon Diggs, who made some powerful catches.
Not the prettiest recreation for Maye, however sufficient for New England to work with.
Christian Gonzalez
Emeka Egbuka had a comparatively prolific recreation, in comparison with what different receivers have been in a position to do in opposition to this Patriots secondary. He solely caught six of his 13 targets, however he averaged virtually 20 yards per catch.
Gonzalez posted 9 tackles and had his share of wins, however he wasn’t as dominant as he often is that this week.
The tight ends
The tight ends weren’t a lot of an element on this one. Austin Hooper had no catches on one goal. Hunter Henry caught certainly one of his 4 targets for 9 yards.
Each gamers are often a a lot greater a part of the offense. They didn’t get many targets this week, however they weren’t in a position to capitalize on those they did get.
Christian Barmore
Props to Barmore for returning to the sport after getting banged up within the third quarter.
Nonetheless, it was a quiet day for him main as much as that time. He had one sort out, no tackles for loss, and no quarterback hits. The Patriots’ run protection (5.4 yards per carry allowed) wasn’t as sharp because it often is.
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