Three Takeaways From The Patriots' Week 8 Shocker
Foxborough, MA - It seemed unlikely that the Patriots would be able to improve to 2-6 at kickoff time. When Drake Maye had to sub out with a head injury with the team down 6, it seemed impossible. However, the Patriots did the unthinkable and eked out a dramatic 25-22 win. Here's what the team can learn from the win.
Establishing The Run Game Is The Key To The Offense
Especially when the lineup of receivers is on the suspect side, the Patriots need to establish a run game, both to create manageable down and distance situations. Against the Jets, they did exactly that.
While the numbers don't imply an extremely productive day, 111 yards off 31 carries, the running game was integral to what the Patriots needed to do. All 3 of their offensive touchdowns came from the running game, while 10 of their 19 first downs came from the run as well. Their aggression and steady play in the trenches, despite a very shorthanded offensive line, allowed them to establish the intention to play a physical game.
This paved the way for the Patriots to employ play-action, creating many good passing looks for the offense and simplifying the equation for both quarterbacks. Had they not had a drops issue, this could have been even more pronounced. Continuing to establish a presence in the trenches will be important for the Patriots moving forward. The improved performance from the offensive line, which is still shorthanded, but gelling much better, needs to continue on this trajectory.
The Patriots' Receiver Core Is A Major Issue
Both Maye and Brissett have been adept at using all of their weapons and distributing the ball, but their lack of WR production has been a major issue throughout the season. This game against the Jets was particularly egregious, as multiple very catchable balls were dropped.
While Ja'Lynn Polk, who has had his issues with drops this year (just 10 catches off 26 targets) didn't play this game, the drops bug didn't go anywhere. Kayshon Boutte had multiple drops in key moments a week after reports had come out of him wanting the ball more - although he made up for it with a couple of really clutch catches on the Patriots' game-winning drive.
Tyquan Thornton, who seemed like a good pairing for Drake Maye's aggressive intent to go down the field with his speed, dropped a perfect deep throw from Maye early in the game, and the usually reliable Kendrick Bourne added two drops of his own.
The tight ends, who have been extremely reliable all season, continued to impress on National TE Day, with Henry and Hooper both having impressive catches and being integral pieces of the offense. However, moving forward, and to contend in future seasons and make the most of Drake Maye's talent, the Patriots need to be more dynamic and less TE-reliant. To do so, they may need to make some difficult choices at the trade deadline with their current receiver group.
The Patriots Are A Lot Of Things, But Soft Isn't One
Over the past few games, the Patriots' play in the big moments yielded questions about whether the Patriots have started to become imbued with a losing culture with the past couple of years having gone as they have. Coach Jerod Mayo's comments about the team playing "soft" didn't help that perception.
However, today showed an extremely resilient side of the team. The Patriots battled through multiple lead changes, and for the first time in a long time (ironically, since last year's TE day against the Bills), engineered a touchdown drive in the final seconds to win the game. Jacoby Brissett, a couple of weeks after being benched for Maye, came into the game in unexpected and unfortunate circumstances, made some really great throws in big moments, and played his best game of the season by far.
The running game on both sides was a huge issue against Jacksonville and Houston, but the Patriots improved tremendously and were much more aggressive in the trenches against a strong Jets rushing group and run-stopping defensive core. Maintaining a culture of toughness and instilling confidence that they can draw up a winning game plan, while it might cost the team a draft sport or two, will be extremely important for the culture of this new era of Patriots football.
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