The New England Patriots are in the win column for the first time in the 2022 season after a brutal 17-14 win over the Steelers in Pittsburgh. The offense was stagnant most of the game. But the defense made the key plays to eke out a win. It was a much-needed win at a time when the divisional opponents aren’t making things easy.
OFFENSIVE STRUGGLES
Mac Jones looked rather average in week two, but it was enough. He finished the game completing 21 of 35 passes for 252 yards with one TD and one INT. Those are barely better than his counterpart, Mitchell Trubisky. The Steelers QB completed 21 of 33 passes for 168 yards with one TD and one INT. But, in a week that saw Mac Jones suffer a back injury and miss a practice due to a stomach bug, the Patriots will gladly take the average effort and the W in the standings. That’s especially true with a team that forced five turnovers against the defending AFC Champions in week one.
NEXT MAN UP?
The Patriots are known for their “next man up” philosophy, and they are truly putting that spirit to the test at the running back position. In week one, Ty Montgomery scored the only TD for the Pats but was lost to injury. In week two, Damien Harris scored the winning TD for the Pats, but just like Montgomery, he was lost to injury during the game. Harris suggested after the game he’ll be fine for next week. I’m not sure if he will, but the Pats will need him, especially if Montgomery isn’t back.
NOT GETTING EASIER FOR THE PATRIOTS
Next up for New England, are the Baltimore Ravens who are likely to be very hungry after blowing a 21-point fourth-quarter lead against the Miami Dolphins on Sunday. The Ravens always give the Patriots a tough test and that was before Tom Brady took his ball to Tampa Bay. The Patriots division isn’t getting any easier, either. As I mentioned, the Dolphins overcame a 21-point fourth-quarter deficit to improve to 2-0. The Jets also overcame a 13-point deficit in the final two minutes to beat Cleveland and improve to 1-1. Plus, the Bills are still lurking with a game against the Titans on Monday. It looks to be a long road for the Patriots if they don’t figure something out.
Be sure to check out our Twitter!
Subscribe to our Newsletter!
Subscribe to our Youtube!
Check out our Facebook!
And check out our Shop!