The New England Patriots moved out of the fight for the number two seed and into the running for the number two pick in the draft a while ago. If they’re going to be able to secure a pick that high to be able to get one of the top talents coming out of this year’s draft, the last thing you’d think they need to be doing is winning games.
New England Patriots Win With Dynamic Offensive Performance
First off, the players and coaches won’t ever tank. Even if after the season all the players get cut and coaches get fired, they’re all fiercely motivated to produce quality performances on the field. Their main goal is still to create a strong, impressive portfolio of their skills. They’re going to need it to get other opportunities in the league. On the other hand, the team’s upper management might recognize the benefits of a lower season standing, and the ownership might be inclined to view a series of losses as a potential long-term gain. This doesn’t change what they’re trying to do on the field and sidelines, players and coaches will continue to strive for excellence every game.
Secondly, this was the perfect time to win a game when looking at the rest of the Patriots schedule. With the 21-18 win against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Thursday Night Football the Patriots went from having the second overall pick to having… the second overall pick. And it’s going to stay that way throughout the rest of week 14. The only other 3-win team (the Arizona Cardinals) is on a bye and the Patriots have the strength of schedule tiebreaker over them.
After the last month of football for the Patriots, where they went 0-3 with a bye week thrown in there, the team needed this win to lift its morale. Through that stretch, the defense allowed an astonishing 26 points combined, but the lackluster offense only produced 13 points of their own and they lost all 3 games. It almost felt as if the offense owed the defense a performance like this, where the offense jumps out in front and the defense takes control from there.
Bailey Zappe’s Hot Start
On Thursday night, the Patriots got the ball first and marched 75 yards down the field to score on a little dump down to Ezekiel Elliott on a swing route who beat his man to the corner for the score. Hunter Henry with a perfectly executed pick route on the play to slow down the defender trying to get out to cover the open man. The first of many big plays from the Patriots tight end, but one that won’t show up in the stat sheet.
This opening drive touchdown was the first by the Patriots this season, another metric to show the offensive ineptitude seen this season. Not on this night though, Zappe and Co. kept it rolling for the whole first half, which led to the Patriots win. Henry made his mark on the stat sheet in the second quarter, catching two touchdowns in the frame. The second of which was a gorgeous throw by Bailey Zappe just over the outstretched fingertips of a Steelers safety; one of, if not the, best throws by a Patriots quarterback all season.
Offensively, it was a different team that came out for the second half. Zappe seemed to not be on the same page with his receivers and it was more of what we had been seeing throughout the season by this offense. He went five-of-seven in the second half for just 44 yards and an interception.
Bailey Zappe in the first half:
🇺🇸 14-21
🇺🇸 196 yards
🇺🇸 3 TDs, 0 INTs
🇺🇸 136.1 rating pic.twitter.com/tecHa64eXu— PFF (@PFF) December 8, 2023
More of the Same From The Defense
The defense put up another really good performance, becoming a regular feature in the second half of the season. Although they gave up the most points since November 5th, they only gave up 262 total yards on the night. The Patriots league-leading rush defense certainly showed up for work again as well. Najee Harris and that vaunted Pittsburgh rushing attack were only able to muster up 82 yards on 28 attempts.
Looking ahead at the Patriots’ schedule, it’s tough to spot many more wins; for better or for worse. This Patriots win should be enjoyed, especially because it didn’t affect the team’s draft position at all (at least for this week). Plus, it’s always good to snag a win where you can, keeps the locker room vibes positive and the defense needed that. And realistically, while a hot streak might not be in the cards, moments like these show us what these players are capable of when they click.
Main Photo: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
