Winners and Losers: Patriots dominate the Saints
The New England Patriots got moving in the right direction Sunday afternoon, much to the surprise of no one. After getting embarrassed by the Chiefs on opening night at Gillette Stadium, the Patriots turned things around by beating down the Saints, 36-20. The offense was clicking even with some injuries and the defense stepped it up. So, let’s jump right into this week’s winners and losers.
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Winners
Tom Brady:
This winner will probably surprise nobody as the 40-year-old quarterback played one of his best games of his career. Finishing 30-of-39 with 447 passing yards to go along with three touchdown passes, it was just another day in the office for Tom Terrific. Along the way, he set a few records and set personal bests of his own. Proving that even at 40 years old, he can continue to do so.
He threw three touchdown passes in the first quarter which is something he had never done. He also threw for the 4th most passing yards of his career in a game. In addition to all that, he broke the all-time record set by Peyton Manning for three touchdown games with zero interceptions with his 52nd. For all the talk this past week on Brady declining, he showed zero signs of regression and now officially leads the league in passing yards with 714. He also has the most 20+ yard completions with 14. Through two games, he is in the Top 3 in almost every single quarterback statistical category. Continue to doubt the man at your own risk.
The running backs:
Although Brady racked up plenty of yards through the air, the running game was excellent yet again. Mike Gillislee rushed for 69 yards and a touchdown as he continues to excel with his new team. However, he wasn’t the only one who did well. James White and Rex Burkhead both added to the receiving game which was lacking last week. James White caught the ball eight times for 85 yards and Burkhead caught a touchdown on the first drive of the game. Although Burkhead left with a rib injury, indications point to him being okay. Overall it was a productive day for the running backs and look for James White for continue to wreak havoc in the passing game going forward.
The defense:
Yes, the defense still gave up 20 points but 20 points to an all-time great in Drew Brees is a little different. Many were worried about the defense going up against such an all-time great after having so much trouble against Alex Smith last week but they came to play. The secondary certainly still has its issues but backup CB Jon Jones played terrifically. Deatrich Wise was outstanding at DE yet again and they will need him to continue to bolster their front seven. For a game that was played without their leader in Donta Hightower, they did well.
Losers
Patriots Injuries:
Another week and another week full of injuries. The one that scared all of Patriots nation was the annual Gronkowski injury. Everybody should be thankful to hear that indications are that he will be just fine and it is a minor groin injury. This is very good news because the Patriots only dressed three wide receivers and Gronkowski finally looked strong and healthy. He played an excellent game, racking up 116 yards and a TD. Amendola, Slater, and Hightower are all expected to miss more time with Hogan, Burkhead and Dorsett all getting banged up a bit. It remains to be seen what we can expect out of this offense going forwards but Brady seemed to do just fine no matter who was put out there.
Malcolm Butler:
Butlers struggled to continue and you cannot help but consider the fact that he is just upset. He was not given the big contract he wanted in the offseason and believes he is worth a lot more than the money he is getting paid. That may be true but he is not proving anything by playing poorly. Officially, he did not even start the game vs the Saints. He met with the Saints in restricted free agency and almost played for them this year. Although Stephon Gilmore is still not up to speed and is getting paid a lot more than Butler, he is still proving to be a lot more dangerous so far, this season.
Dion Lewis:
Lewis didn’t play much yet again, only getting four carries for 14 yards and he continues to get lost in the backfield. He is a dangerous weapon for sure but this running back corps is extremely dangerous and he continues to be a forgotten man. It may just take one giant play out of Lewis for him to be re-energized and recognized as the dangerous player he is. Either that or he may be pawned off in a trade for more defensive help.
Until next week Patriots Nation, let’s continue to hope for more winners than losers.
– Jared Talbot is a Staff Writer for cover32/Patriots and covers the New England Patriots. Like and follow on Follow @JaredTalbot17 Follow @cover32_NE and Facebook.
