It may be hard for anyone to find positive takeaways after losing 20-7 to the Miami Dolphins on opening day. However, a closer look shows that the New England Patriots can build on their strengths.
READ MORE: Patriots Success Is Relative
The Patriots Can Build on Run Game Strengths
The running backs are a strength for the Patriots. Damien Harris and Rhamondre Stevenson are weapons that need to be unleashed. Their stat lines were not impressive, but the way they ran was. Harris, who had 18 receptions last year, had two in this game and looks even more comfortable catching passes now. He also averaged five yards per carry. These backs are explosive and a solid duo. They are arguably the Patriots biggest strengths and what the team should be building around.
Mac Jones Has Building Blocks
Even though this was a challenging game, Mac Jones continues to build chemistry with his receivers. He also suffered a back injury, but the X-rays returned negative, luckily. Jones is a good quarterback but needs a cleaner pocket to step into his throws, which depends on the offensive line. If they can protect him, he has enough building blocks to succeed.
Jones threw an interception, but it was not entirely his fault. Throwing deep to DeVante Parker, who was 1-on-1 with Xavian Howard, is the right decision. It just needed to be a great throw to beat Howard, who had a handful of Parker’s jersey. Jones was likely anticipating Parker going up and getting that ball, but it appeared Howard was restraining him. It looks like the Dolphins got away with one there. Regardless, Jones now has a big receiver who is a threat down the field and outside the numbers. That is something to build around.
Last year, Jakobi Meyers was the most reliable receiver and led the team in catches. This year, he picked up where he left off. Meyers showed off his versatility by taking a handoff for seven yards. He also made a spectacular catch, showing an ability to get up over a defender and fight for the ball. Meyers appears to be improving, which the team will build around.
Kendrick Bourne beat his man down the sideline for a 41-yard catch on his only target. It looked like he could take it to the house for a second because the safety was not on the TV screen. As it turns out, he had Bourne lined up and leveled him. However, Bourne is one of the most explosive players on the roster, and his lack of playing time is for disciplinary reasons and not for his ability. The team should overcome that, and he should be able to continue to build his chemistry with Jones.
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More Positives the Patriots Can Build On
Jonnu Smith became a freight train when he got the ball. He even dragged a few defenders with him before he was tackled near the goal line. Smith was explosive and played with a purpose. If they can get the ball to him quicker on some short passes, he will be the weapon that Bill Belichick thought he would be.
Nelson Agholor showed off his speed when he beat his defender badly down the right sideline; unfortunately, Jones overthrew him. He would likely complete that throw if he had more time to set his feet. With Bourne, Agholor, and Parker all being downfield threats, there is a lot of reason for optimism.
Kyle Dugger has the speed of a safety, but he hits like a linebacker. Against Miami, he had six total tackles, five solo, and two tackles for a loss. Dugger stepped up after Adrian Phillips went down. He is fun to watch and a key player for this defense to build around.
Matt Judon looks like himself again. He had five tackles total, a sack, and a tackle for a loss. Judon will continue to be a problem for opposing quarterbacks.
Hunter Henry continues to be clutch and is the go-to guy for Jones in the red zone.
The last time Ty Montgomery played, he was being carted off the field in the preseason. Now, he was rolling into the endzone, literally, in Week 1. He can line up as a running back or receiver. A versatile player is Belichick’s favorite kind of building block.
Ty Montgomery has the Patriots first TD of the season!!! pic.twitter.com/JWf8xp52wf
— Boston Diehards (@Boston_Diehards) September 11, 2022
There were a lot of good individual plays in this game. Unfortunately, none of it translated into winning this game. Nevertheless, they will keep fighting and stacking up good plays.
