The Patriots got back into the win column in convincing fashion Sunday when Mac Jones and company dropped 54 points in a rout over the New York Jets at Gillette Stadium. This was New England's best day on offense by far, as it totaled 551 yards and scored on its first six possessions. The team also found the end zone a total of seven times in the winning effort (three passing, four rushing).
As I noted after this game, while beating up on the Jets is hardly a marquee win, it does present the opportunity for the Patriots to use this victory as a springboard as they move on to a more difficult period of their schedule and continue to remain in the hunt for a playoff spot. Before we jump too far ahead, however, let's take one last look at that matchup against New York and take the temperature on how various players are trending as New England gears up to head out west to face the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 8.
Stock up: Patriots backfieldNo matter which way you want to slice it, it was a dominating day for Patriots running backs. Starting with Damien Harris, he recorded his second-straight 100-yard day on the ground while averaging an eye-popping 7.6 yards per carry. The former Alabama product also found the end zone twice. Harris' strong performance comes on the heels of Bill Belichick heaping praise on him during the week, saying "he's earned everybody's respect." After that performance, his stock continues to skyrocket.
When Harris was relieved, J.J. Taylor picked up the baton and kept pace, scoring two touchdowns of his own (the first being the first of his career) to go along with 21 yards rushing.
The biggest surprise, however, continues to be Brandon Bolden. With Rhamondre Stevenson a healthy scratch, Bolden was in the "James White" role and filled his shoes splendidly, catching six passes for 79 yards (both team highs) and a touchdown.
Stock up: Mac JonesJones enjoyed the first 300-yard passing day of his young career on Sunday as he tossed for 307 yards and two touchdowns while completing 24 of his 36 passes. The rookie continues to look better each time he's on the field and Sunday was no exception. He did most of his work in the short passing game. Jones completed 19 of his 22 passes from nine yards out or fewer for 193 yards and a touchdown. Of course, the deep ball has been an area of focus for him and he continues to show promise there, completing a 46-yard beauty up the left sideline to Kendrick Bourne.
Make that four-straight games with a touchdown for Henry. The Patriots tight end continues to have a nose for the end zone and has grown to be a go-to option for Jones in the red area. This season, Henry has seen four red zone targets and has been able to catch three for touchdowns. The most recent was an acrobatic catch after he beat his defender just in front of the end zone. Jones saw him get a step and threw it only where he could get a hand on it.
After a few weeks where Jackson's play was up-and-down and he was seemingly being picked on by opposing quarterbacks, he had himself a strong day against the Jets. He was targeted nine times on the afternoon and only allowed four passes for 37 yards. He also recorded his third interception of the year (20th of his career) on a throw intended for Jets rookie Elijah Moore. That pick was particularly impressive as Jackson was able to keep both feet in bounds on the sideline throw.
With matchups against the likes of Keenan Allen, Mike Williams, and D.J. Moore on the horizon, this was a good foundation for Jackson to build on going forward.
Stock up: Kendrick BourneBourne was doing it all Sunday. On the Patriots opening drive of the day, the receiver did his best Mac Jones impression, completing a 25-yard touchdown to Nelson Agholor. He then proceeded to catch all four of his targets for 68 yards (second-most on the team). The biggest reception came on that 46-yard deep ball by Jones as these two continue to build solid rapport down the field.
The lone Patriot who didn't shine Sunday was Mills. He allowed five catches on seven targets for 41 yards and was responsible for one of New York's two touchdowns on the day. He was called for defensive pass interference on a third-and-five play that put the ball on the New England 19-yard line. On the very next play, the Jets scored a touchdown. Mills was also out during a series for Joejuan Williams.
The Mac Jones era in New England has begun. How
