The New England Patriots came into Week 12 with a record of 8-2 (tied with the Oakland Raiders in the AFC). The New York Jets entered the matchup with a record of 3-7, good for last in the AFC East. New England wanted to get a victory to increase their division lead and to keep marching towards a number one seed, and home field advantage, come playoff time.
Throughout the week the talk revolved around whether or not Tom Brady (knee) and Rob Gronkowski (chest) would play. Both did start the game, but only Brady finished it. Gronk left the game towards the end of the first quarter with a back injury. Despite Gronkowski leaving the game the Patriots were still able to secure a 22-17 win. Below are some New England Patriots Week 12 Takeaways.
New England Patriots Week 12 Takeaways
Tom Brady Got his 200th Career Win
Brady may be one of the most polarizing sports figures, even if he hasn’t done anything to earn that distinction. But the former Michigan quarterback is one of the best signal callers to ever suit up in the NFL. Brady came into this Week 12 matchup with 199 career wins and it was just a matter of when, not if, the future Hall of Famer would get his 200th win.
Brady now joins another future Hall of Famer, Peyton Manning, as the only two quarterbacks to start and win 200+ NFL games. This milestone is a testament to Brady’s talent, football IQ and work ethic.
Patriots Defense Forced Multiple Turnovers
The Patriots defense has not been terrible this season. Coming into Week 12 Matt Patricia‘s group was allowing only 18.0 points per game (third in the NFL). But the Patriots defense has given up too many yards to opposing offenses this season and they have certainly struggled to force turnovers. In their first 10 games in 2016 New England’s defense had forced only nine takeaways (27th in the NFL).
But against the Jets the Patriots forced two fumbles. In the first half cornerback Malcolm Butler forced and recovered a fumble. That turnover led to a Patriots touchdown, which tied the game at 10 points apiece. New England then forced a fumble in the fourth quarter, after they took the lead 22-17, when Chris Long sacked Ryan Fitzpatrick. Trey Flowers recovered the fumble and effectively put the game away.
The Patriots are clearly one of the favorites in the AFC, but if they want to make it to Super Bowl LI, and hoist the Lombardi Trophy, the defense needs to continue to step up and force turnovers.
Malcolm Mitchell’s Emergence Continued
Rookie wide receiver Malcolm Mitchell is emerging as a true play maker. In Week 11 Mitchell recorded a touchdown and on Sunday against the Jets the former UGA Bulldog had five catches on seven targets for 42 yards and two touchdowns.
Mitchell’s presence, particularly near the end zone, proved invaluable on Sunday, especially with Gronkowski leaving the game in the first quarter and Martellus Bennett still playing a little hobbled.
If Mitchell can continue to step up this Patriots offense could really be a threat to opposing defenses, especially if Gronk and Bennett can get healthy.
Stephen Gostkowski’s Struggles Continued
No NFL or Patriots fan would argue that Stephen Gostkowski has been anything less than brilliant for the Patriots throughout his NFL career. He has won many games for the Patriots throughout his 11 seasons in the NFL. But, that being said, Gostkowski is simply struggling this season. Maybe it goes back to the missed extra point in last season’s AFC Championship game and that is still in his head this season. Maybe it’s something else.
The world may never know what the issue is, but Gostkowski is definitely struggling this season, particularly by his standards. This season, Gostkowski’s field goal percentage is his lowest since 2010 and his extra point percentage is the worst of his career. True, the extra point was pushed back last season, and other kickers have struggled as a result. But, Gostkowski has been so sure footed and was so good at PATs in 2015 that it was just assumed he would continue to be someone the Patriots could count on for both extra points and field goals.
The Patriots are still a serious favorite in the AFC and are one of a handful of teams that have a realistic shot at making it to Houston and winning Super Bowl LI. They have players who are starting to emerge (Mitchell) and a future Hall of Fame quarterback (Brady), but they are not perfect. Gostkowski needs to get himself right and the defense needs to continue to improve and attack the ball so they can force turnovers.
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