Pats Pulpit
The New England Patriots stayed in the win column on Sunday, celebrating a seventh straight W to improve to 8-2 on the year.
Here is who caught our eye for better or worse upon live viewing the 28-23 victory.
RB TreVeyon Henderson: It was a career-day for New England’s rookie back, who was forced to carry the load without Rhamondre Stevenson (toe) and Terrell Jennings (knee) limited to just five snaps. Henderson responded with a career-best 147 yards on the ground and a pair of scores — each 50-plus yard runs in which the speedster clocked over 20 miles per hour.
WR Kyle Williams: New England also needed fellow rookie, Kyle Williams, to step up in a game without Kayshon Boutte (hamstring). Williams had just one catch on two targets, but made it count taking it 72 yards to the house for his first career touchdown. On the play, the post safety’s attention goes to Mack Hollins over the middle leaving Williams and his 4.4-second speed one-on-one over the middle of the field.
“I [saw] green grass, and then it was bon voyage after that,” Williams said.
WRs Mack Hollins and Stefon Diggs: Elsewhere in the wide receiver department, Mack Hollins led the team with six catches for 106 yards. Hollins was active over the middle of the field and then hauled in a 54-yard catch down the right sideline in the fourth quarter. Diggs, meanwhile, had five catches with his best being an acrobatic toe-tap in the end zone before halftime. The veteran even recovered the onside kick to seal the game.
C Garrett Bradbury: While YaYa Diaby gave Will Campbell some issues on the outside, Vita Vea was expectedly a problem along the interior. Vea logged five total pressures with four coming against Bradbury. Vea’s play strength was projected to be a mismatch against the smaller Bradbury in this contest, but to the center’s credit all four pressure allowed were hurries.
New England’s offensive line also played a role in Henderson and Terrell Jennings getting stuffed six times on 18 carries (all on the left side).
Special teams: While Andy Borregales remained perfect in the XP department and Diggs recovered the aforementioned onside attempt, Marcus Jones muffed a punt, what looked like poor blocking led to just a 22-yard kick return by Efton Chism III, and the punt return unit was tabbed for two penalties. Area for improvement.
