The Patriots Week 1 Play of the Game
For the Patriots, there were multiple options for the Week 1 Play of the Game. But fittingly, we’ve chosen one on defense.
With the Patriots holding a 13-0 lead halfway through the third quarter, the Cincinnati Bengals appeared to have found a rhythm when they faced a fourth-and-2 from the Patriots’ 36-yard line. The Bengals then bunched the right side before quarterback Joe Burrow flipped a quick pass to wide receiver Andrei Iosivas who had a pair of blockers in front of him.
On the play, there was one primary defender whom the Bengals left unaccounted for: Patriots defensive back Jonathan Jones.
So what happened? Well, you can see for yourself in the video below, though we’ve spot-shadowed both Iosivas and Jones early on in the play. And, on first view, if this play seems unspectacular to you, rest assured that it isn’t. First, Jones is station nine yards from the line of scrimmage at the snap. In just a few seconds, he has to diagnose the play, close on Iosivas and make a tackle, all without allowing Iosivas (who is moving with momentum) to advance to the Patriots’ 34-yard line for a first down.
When you watch this video, pay particular attention to the speed and leverage with which Jones approaches Iosivas at the point of contact. It’s make or break play. If Jones merely tries to wrap up the receiver, Iosivas can spin and fall forward for the first down. If he tries to dive at his legs, he could miss and open up the possibility of a big play.
So what does Jones do? He blasts into Iosivas above the waist and literally stops him in his tracks, the kind of hard-nosed mentality with which the Patriots defense played for much of the day. The result? A turnover on downs – the third consecutive possession (including a fumbled punt) on which the Patriots forced a turnover.
Have a look for yourself at various angles of the Week 1 Play of the Game, which includes versions from the All-22 footage at the end:
