The Patriots beat the Detroit Lions 29-0. It was a good win all around as the Patriots played well in all three phases.
Here are seven points on the Patriots big win yesterday.
1. Defense dominates: The defense was dominate yesterday. Yes the Lions had their chances in the red zone but when the Patriots needed to buckle down and get a stop, they got it. Matthew Judon had two sacks and Jack Jones had an interception in what was a great day for the D.
2. Runmondre Stevenson: Rhamondre Stevenson took the bulk of the carries after Damien Harris left the game with a hamstring injury and he looked like a workhorse back. Stevenson finished with 161 yards on 25 carries. Harris status for next week is uncertain but Stevenson reiterated he can be the guy.
3. Zappe managed the game: Bailey Zappe managed the game well I thought. He completed 17-21 passes for 188 yards and a touchdown pass. He did throw an interception but it wasn’t on him. I thought Matt Patricia did a good job of putting him in position to succeed yesterday. The game plan played to his strengths and he wasn’t forced to do anything he couldn’t.
4. Red zone woes: If there was one area where the Patriots could have been better yesterday, it was the red zone. They settled for five field goals. They need to do a better job of finishing drives. Part of it is trusting Zappe. Patricia needs to be a little more aggressive in the red zone. Put the ball in his hands more.
5. Judon makes history: EDGE Matthew Judon became the first Patriot in team history to start his career with five sacks in his five games. Judon had two yesterday. It is an impressive feat for a player who has become the heart and soul of the team.
6. Jack Jones continues to impress: Jones had an another interception yesterday. He made a spectacular play under cutting a pass in the red zone and making a high point interception. His ball skills and instincts are tremendous. He needs to be better in off coverage but other than that, the rookie has been a dude!
7. Defensive staff rises to the occasion: Hat tip to the defensive staff for devising a great game plan to shut down the NFL’s top ranked offense. The Patriots blended coverages, were physical with tight end T.J Hockenson and did a good job of scheming fronts on early downs to shut down Detroits vaunted run game. Bill Belichick has had a history of doing this to great offenses. Add Detroit to the list.