The New England Patriots received into the win column for the primary time this season on Sunday due to a 25-6 rout over the New York Jets. Invoice Belichick’s protection was in a position to decide off rookie quarterback Zach Wilson 4 instances within the contest and capitalize by scoring 16 factors off these turnovers. Naturally, there have been some sturdy performances for New England en-route to the primary win of 2021, however there have been additionally some issues that may be improved upon as they proceed ahead for the remainder of the season. 

Beneath, we’ll spotlight which Patriots gamers have their inventory shifting in the fitting path popping out of Sunday’s win and who’ll be searching for a bounce-back efficiency after they tackle the New Orleans Saints in Foxborough throughout Week 3. 

Replenish: Patriots backfield

Damien Harris was in a position to rebound fairly properly after that game-losing fumble within the opener in opposition to the Dolphins. The third-year again led the sport with 62 yards dashing and did his greatest Marshawn Lynch impression throughout a 26-yard landing run within the third quarter. Harris took the ball up the intestine and was in a position to shed a number of tackles as he barreled his manner into the top zone. Most significantly, he did not put the ball on the bottom. 

As for James White, he was the opposite co-star in New England’s backfield. Whereas Harris led the staff in dashing, it was White who led the staff in receiving yards, catching all six of his targets from Mac Jones for 45 yards. He additionally rushed for 20 yards and a landing.

A calf damage sidelined beginning proper deal with Trent Brown for Sunday’s contest and his absence was obvious all through the day. Yasir Durant began rather than Brown and struggled mightily. In response to PFF’s metrics, Durant was answerable for two of Mac Jones’ three sacks on the day and was ultimately benched for Justin Herron. Neither deal with has been in a position to fill the footwear of Brown throughout their time at proper deal with, so getting the 6-foot-8, 359 pounder is changing into paramount.  

It was fairly the day on the workplace for cornerback J.C. Jackson, who was in a position to decide off Zach Wilson twice throughout Sunday’s win. The interceptions got here on back-to-back drives within the first quarter and on two consecutive throws by Wilson. He additionally solely allowed his receivers to catch 60% of the targets thrown their manner for 41 yards and handle simply 5 complete yards after the catch. 

Inventory down: Run protection

The Patriots made it a degree of emphasis to try to enhance their run protection this offseason after it had been an Achilles heel for the staff for the previous few seasons. Regardless of some free agent addition, the unit nonetheless appears to be struggling. On Sunday, New York rushed for 152 yards on the bottom on 4.9 yards per carry. These dashing yards got here primarily from the likes of rookie Michael Carter, Ty Johnson and Tevin Coleman. Whereas these backs are strong, nobody is mistaking them for elite gamers at their place, which makes issues fairly regarding because the Patriots will see Saints star operating again Alvin Kamara subsequent week. 

Replenish: Matthew Judon

Judon continues to be a chess piece for Invoice Belichick’s protection. In opposition to the Jets, Judon had seven complete pressures on Zach Wilson, together with 5 hurries and a sack. His presence instantly jumps out when he is on the sector and was persistently disrupting Wilson when he dropped again to go, which possible contributed to his 4 turnovers. 

Inventory down: Large receiver unit

It was a quiet day for Patriots receivers, notably offseason additions Nelson Agholor and Kendrick Bourne. They totaled simply 31 yards on six mixed targets within the win as New England has but to essentially push the ball down the sector. By two video games, the Patriots have but to throw the ball into the top zone. In fact, that may very well be blamed on Mac Jones not taking his possibilities deep, however these pass-catchers might want to convey their stage of play up if the Patriots need to have a extra well-rounded offensive assault. 

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