Coming off a blowout win over the Cleveland Browns, the New England Patriots had a quick turnaround into Week 11.
It was not the prettiest of wins, but on a short week, it was a fantastic win. The New England Patriots were led by yet another stellar defensive performance. The performance led to a 25-0 shutout on Thursday Night Football against the Atlanta Falcons.
The win gives the Patriots their fifth straight win moving them to 7-4 on the season.
As always, let’s break it down!
The Defense was an Absolute Brick Wall on Thursday Night
The brightest spot on Thursday night was the absolute dominance that was the defense once again. The defense has held teams to 13 points the last 3 games.
Well, they wreaked havoc once again. They forced 4 sacks, and 4 Interceptions (two of which were in the final 2 minutes) Two of those sacks came from Kyle Van Noy, who at the end of the night was the third-highest PFF grade with an 89.2.
The front seven was an absolute force to be reckoned with. The secondary was lights out including 2nd-year safety, Kyle Dugger who was matched up with freak athlete, Kyle Pitts and held him to only 29 yards. In fact, Kyle Dugger led the team in tackles with six on Thursday Night.
All in all, it was once again another dominant week for a surging Patriots defense, a defense who has now not given up a score in the last 19 possessions. They will look to carry it over into Week 12 after a mini BYE.
The Offense Played Well Enough. They Took Care of Business.
Look, I do not want to hear the “oh the offense was subpar, they didn’t really impress after blowing out the Browns”. It was a freakin short week, no team has ever looked perfect on a short week. Just look at last week, the Dolphins were able to dominate on defense just like the Patriots, but the offense didn’t fully impress.
With that being said, the rookie QB, Mac Jones did what he had to do and got the job done. He actually was highly impressive statistically yesterday. Jones only missed four passes yesterday, ending 22 for 26 with 207 yards and a touchdown, along with an interception.
Kendrick Bourne led receiving with 42 yards, while Nelson Agholor had the lone touchdown of the game.
Rhamondre Stevenson led the rushing with 69 yards, while Damien Harris had 56.
So, maybe it wasn’t a “perfect offensive game” big whoop. As I said, it happens when you are on a short week. We will really see what this offense is made of when they get a nice 11-day mini BYE before they head into Week 12 against the Titans.
Finally, Special Teams WAS CLUTCH AS HELL.
If there is one thing that we know is automatic with this team, it’s the Special Teams.
Jake Bailey once again impressed with 4 punts that averaged 48 plus yards. Where 3 of them landed within the 20-yard line.
And of course, we cannot forget, the absolute leg of Nick Folk who has yet to miss a field goal within 50 yards this season. The kicker has become a staple, who is practically automatic, and once again came up huge last night going 4 for 4 on Field Goals with his longest being 53 yards.
Wrap up, and What is Next for the New England Patriots?
The New England Patriots left Week 11 with a 7-4 record, along with what we call a “Mini BYE” with 11 days off before their next matchup at home against the Tennessee Titans.
The team can now rest and relax, enjoy their families this Thanksgiving and heal from any bumps and bruises they have. After that though, it is back to work to prep for a HUGE showdown with the current first-place team in the AFC, Tennesee Titans.
NEXT UP: Week 12: vs. Tennessee Titans, Sunday, November 28th at 1 pm on CBS.
Photo Courtesy: Kevin C. Cox- Getty Images
-Jeff Hoak (@jeffhoak1)
Feeling tired, unable to focus and low on energy? We got you covered. Go to shockedenergy.com today and get yourself Shocked Energy today! Obtaining maximum energy with healthy ingredients. Use the promo codes “CGS21” or “CGSN” for 10% off your order today.
Tired of soreness and pain slowing you and your workouts down? Change that. Melt stress away anytime, anywhere with the ExoGun. Designed to give you the ultimate recovery utilizing percussive therapy and deep tissue massage, it will change your recovery life FOREVER. Follow this link (Exogun) for 10% off or use code promo code CGS10 at checkout!
