Pats Cast Episode 18: Patriots Pull Off the Improbable Against the Ravens
Kyle Dugger (left) had a game-high 12 tackles, J.C. Jackson (right) hauled in yet another interception. (Photo: Paul Rutherford/USA TODAY Sports Images)
Who bet on the Patriots pulling out a win on Sunday night?
Who thought they'd also look like the better team against Baltimore?
Both of those things happened. And you know what's crazy? It might actually be sustainable going forward.
Don't believe me? Keep reading, and listen to my latest podcast episode.
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The Offense
The offense looked like it was playing in the stone ages, trotting out two men in the backfield and only two wideouts for most of the game. But it was effective.
Damien Harris got a heavy workload once again on Sunday, and he looked as good as ever. By the end of the night, he'd picked up 121 yards on 22 carries, and that mostly came in the first three quarters.
When it wasn't Harris, it was Rex Burkhead, who gained 66 all-purpose yards with two receiving touchdowns.
Cam Newton added a rushing touchdown, a low-volume but high-efficiency night from under center, and no turnovers.
And then there's Jakobi Meyers. He was the only wide receiver targeted in the game (seven times), finishing with five catches for 59 yards against an elite secondary, as well as a gorgeous 24-yard passing touchdown – not receiving, passing.
The Defense
Most people probably had questions about their ability to contain Lamar Jackson – especially without Stephon Gilmore – but they had the blueprint.
Jackson only gained 55 yards on the ground, which they could live with. Equally impressive, their backfield – minus Lamar – was held to 60 yards on 17 carries, far below their average.
Chase Winovich had a spectacular performance, playing an interesting array of roles – much like New England's typically featured outside linebackers.
The second level of the defense was otherwise anchored by Adrian Phillips, rookie Kyle Dugger, and practice squad star Terez Hall.
Willie Snead and Mark Andrews had some success, but the passing game as a whole didn't particularly. Marquise Brown was held in check, primarily by J.C. Jackson, who intercepted a pass directed to Brown late in the first half.
By the way, Jackson has secured an interception in five straight games and leads the league with six this season.
In Summation
This game was everything the Patriots needed. Damien Harris looked elite in a nationally televised game, Jakobi Meyers stood up to an elite secondary, N'Keal Harry returned and looked great at the little things, Michael Onwenu remained the starter in Jermaine Eluemunor's return, Chase Winovich and Kyle Dugger had that game that young players need, and J.C. Jackson had another strong game as the top cornerback.
The Patriots also won at the intangibles, as I discussed in more depth in podcast form. Above all else, those are what Bill Belichick emphasizes.
Up Next
New England, now 4-5, faces the Houston Texans next Sunday. That's a 2-7 team, but they're a somewhat respectable 2-3 in their last five games. They also fired head coach Bill O'Brien fairly recently, promoting Romeo Crennel to fill the vacancy.
Deshaun Watson is a very good quarterback, and Will Fuller and Brandin Cooks are playing well for him. That's as deep as I'll go for now.
Until then, feel free to binge on my content and relish the big win the Patriots just came up with.