New England Patriots - NESN.com
There was a lot to like in regards to the Patriots’ protection plan against the Giants’ formidable front.
Those blocking for quarterback Drake Maye were dinged for just one sack allowed in the 33-15 victory Monday night, according to Pro Football Focus. The second-year signal-caller shouldered the blame for a sack, as well. The offensive line combined to allow 10 pressures and eight hurries in 38 pass-blocking reps, per PFF.
Given New England was playing its first game without starting left tackle Will Campbell and starting left guard Jared Wilson, it was a solid performance from the group with Josh McDaniels’ schemes proving an obvious benefit.
Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel credited left tackle Vederian Lowe and left guard Ben Brown for stepping up on Maye’s blindside. It was a “good” performance, Vrabel said.
The aspect that pleased Vrabel most was not their pass-blocking grades or movement in the run game, though.
“I thought that they were excited about playing. I think that that is probably the thing that pleases me the most,” Vrabel told reporters at Gillette Stadium on Tuesday, per the team. “They wanted it. Vederian wanted to go out there and play and compete and block. And Ben fought and battled.
“… They were excited about playing and they were prepared and they were ready to go. That’s kind of what you have to do at this time of the year, or any time in the national football league. Be ready to go.”
Brown had the best run-blocking grade of anyone on the team, according to PFF. Lowe’s three hurries allowed were a noticeable improvement from last season, too.
With Campbell on injured reserve due to a very significant MCL injury and Wilson week-to-week, it helps the Patriots enter their Week 14 bye. It also helps McDaniels showed the ability to scheme around it and both Lowe and Brown proved capable in their backup roles.
