New England Patriots - NESN.com
The New England Patriots bounced back with a come-from-behind victory over the Miami Dolphins on Sunday.
Rhamondre Stevenson looked like his old self, contributing in the running and passing game. Harold Landry III and Milton Williams earned their money with some big-time plays late in the fourth quarter. Drake Maye played perhaps his best game as a professional.
Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel was most effusive in his praise of one often-forgotten defender, however…
“We need them to play good for us to win,” Vrabel said, referring to Williams, Landry and Marte Mapu, per team-provided video. “I’ve said it for as long as I can remember, your best players have to play good if you want to win in this league.
“(Mapu) — our punt team has improved and he’s our personal protector — and he takes a lot of pride in that,. He stays in every meeting, and he’s into it. He plays the show team. He was ready for his opportunity, made a huge play, so I was proud of him.”
Mapu, of course, recorded an interception that all but sealed the victory.
The Patriots have struggled to find a consistent role for the former third-round pick, cycling him between safety and linebacker while watching his availability be impacted by lingering calf and neck injuries.
Vrabel liked how he fit at linebacker, however.
Mapu has an obvious positional designation for the first time in his professional career and was called upon during the fourth quarter on Sunday — with his speed being needed to match that of Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle and De’Von Achane.
Mapu did more, turning the ball over and potentially earning himself increased playing time moving forward…
