The New England Patriots stayed in the win column on Sunday, celebrating a seventh straight W to improve to 8-2 on the year.
Here is who caught our eye for better or worse upon live viewing the 28-23 victory.
Winners
RB TreVeyon Henderson: It was a career-day for New England’s rookie back, who was forced to carry the load without Rhamondre Stevenson (toe) and Terrell Jennings (knee) limited to just five snaps. Henderson responded with a career-best 147 yards on the ground and a pair of scores — each 50-plus yard runs in which the speedster clocked over 20 miles per hour.
WR Kyle Williams: New England also needed fellow rookie, Kyle Williams, to step up in a game without Kayshon Boutte (hamstring). Williams had just one catch on two targets, but made it count taking it 72 yards to the house for his first career touchdown. On the play, the post safety’s attention goes to Mack Hollins over the middle leaving Williams and his 4.4-second speed one-on-one over the middle of the field.
“I [saw] green grass, and then it was bon voyage after that,” Williams said.
WRs Mack Hollins and Stefon Diggs: Elsewhere in the wide receiver department, Mack Hollins led the team with six catches for 106 yards. Hollins was active over the middle of the field and then hauled in a 54-yard catch down the right sideline in the fourth quarter. Diggs, meanwhile, had five catches with his best being an acrobatic toe-tap in the end zone before halftime. The veteran even recovered the onside kick to seal the game.
Losers
C Garrett Bradbury: While YaYa Diaby gave Will Campbell some issues on the outside, Vita Vea was expectedly a problem along the interior. Vea logged five total pressures with four coming against Bradbury. Vea’s play strength was projected to be a mismatch against the smaller Bradbury in this contest, but to the center’s credit all four pressure allowed were hurries.
New England’s offensive line also played a role in Henderson and Terrell Jennings getting stuffed six times on 18 carries (all on the left side).
Special teams: While Andy Borregales remained perfect in the XP department and Diggs recovered the aforementioned onside attempt, Marcus Jones muffed a punt, what looked like poor blocking led to just a 22-yard kick return by Efton Chism III, and the punt return unit was tabbed for two penalties. Area for improvement.
Honorable mentions
- As for Drake Maye, it was far from perfect against the aggressive Todd Bowles defense. But even with some errors — such as an almost disastrous interception late in the fourth quarter with Maye in playground mode — Maye still finished the day with 270 passing yards while adding +0.09 EPA per play. Facing pressure on over 40 percent of his drop backs, Maye’s ability to deliver throws while standing in the pocket stood out and his best throw of the day came on a perfect 54-yard pass to Hollins down the sideline that led to chants of “MVP!” In Tampa.
- Emeka Egbuka’s big plays Sunday mostly came away from Christian Gonzalez. New England let Gonzo shadow Egbuka on 32 routes and the top corner limited the rookie to three catches for 56 yards — with just one catch coming in nine man coverage reps.
- New England’s pass rush was notable getting to Mayfield, who appeared antsy at times Sunday. K’Lavon Chaisson recorded a sack as did UDFA Elijah Ponder beaten All-Pro Tristan Wirfs for his first career sack.
- The run defense, however, may have turned in their worst performance of the season. Sean Tucker became the first running back to reach 50 rushing yards against New England this season, averaging 5.9 yards on nine carries.
- Tampa Bay went 2-3 in the red zone, while Egbuka scored from the 21-yard line on another coverage bust/breakdown (on the first drive of the game).
- The Patriots lost Terrell Jennings (knee) on Sunday while several players needed medical attention throughout. With a short week on deck, something to monitor.
- Hat tip to Mike Vrabel — and vice president of football operations and strategy John Streicher — for some great clock management and decision making, none better than the end of first half sequence.
