The New England Patriots defeated the Indianapolis Colts by a 26-3 final at Gillette Stadium on Sunday. Here’s who we graded “UP” or “DOWN” based on their performance in the game…
UP: CB Jonathan Jones
Nov 6, 2022; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots cornerback Jonathan Jones (31) is congratulated by wide receiver Matthew Slater (18) and linebacker Anfernee Jennings (58) after blocking a punt during the first half against the Indianapolis Colts at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
Jones made the single biggest play of the game with a blocked punt in the second quarter, which set up the Patriots with a first-and-goal from the 2-yard line. They scored a touchdown two plays later. The play swerved momentum way in the Patriots’ favor and left the Colts unable to catch up on the scoreboard. Oh, and he also made a pick-six late in the fourth quarter to put the game on ice.
DOWN: OG Cole Strange
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – AUGUST 11: Cole Strange #69 of the New England Patriots looks on during the preseason game between the New York Giants and the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on August 11, 2022 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
It didn’t take long before Strange had more difficulty and had to be pulled from the game. A hands to the face penalty appeared to do him in this time. Isaiah Wynn replaced him at left guard on the Patriots’ third series. Strange seems to be hitting the rookie wall, and that would only become a bigger concern if his struggles continued.
UP: LB Josh Uche
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – NOVEMBER 06: Josh Uche #55 of the New England Patriots pressures Sam Ehlinger #4 of the Indianapolis Colts during the third quarter at Gillette Stadium on November 06, 2022 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Malhotra/Getty Images)
The third-year linebacker had a quiet first half of the season, but has been heating up over the last couple of weeks. Uche made three sacks and four total tackles as the Patriots’ secondary edge rusher opposite Matthew Judon. If they can continue to get pass-rush production out of Uche – someone other than Judon at linebacker, anyway – that would be massive for the defense.
DOWN: WR Jakobi Meyers
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – NOVEMBER 06: Jakobi Meyers #16 of the New England Patriots fumbles against the Indianapolis Colts during the third quarter at Gillette Stadium on November 06, 2022 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Billie Weiss/Getty Images)
A rare lost fumble for Meyers in this one, just the third of his career. It was still just 13-0 early in the third quarter at the time, so the turnover had a chance to do real damage for the Patriots. Fortunately, the Patriots defense held the Colts to a field goal. But Meyers gets the rare “DOWN” for this game off the miscue.
UP: LB Ja’Whaun Bentley
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – NOVEMBER 06: Ja’Whaun Bentley #8 of the New England Patriots reacts in the first quarter of a game against the Indianapolis Colts at Gillette Stadium on November 06, 2022 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Billie Weiss/Getty Images)
Controlling the point of attack was a point of emphasis for the Patriots defense, who clogged up the line and flooded gaps with regularity. Bentley was active in those areas all afternoon, finishing with a team-high eight tackles, one sack, and two QB hits. He’s been coming on lately, which could be huge as the Patriots face more mobile quarterbacks and potent rushing attacks down the stretch.
DOWN: WR Kendrick Bourne
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – NOVEMBER 06: Kendrick Bourne #84 of the New England Patriots carries the ball against Isaiah Rodgers #34 of the Indianapolis Colts during the second half at Gillette Stadium on November 06, 2022 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Billie Weiss/Getty Images)
Bourne also fumbled in this game, but was fortunate not to lose it. He dropped a potential catch on third down on the Patriots’ first possession. That’s despite playing 46 offensive snaps, which was one of his biggest workloads of the season. He’ll need to show more in order to keep seeing so many snaps, especially when the offense gets healthy again.
UP: CB Marcus Jones
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – OCTOBER 24: Marcus Jones #25 of the New England Patriots returns the opening kickoff against the Chicago Bears at Gillette Stadium on October 24, 2022 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
The rookie’s main impact came on special teams. Three punt returns for 34 yards and one kick return for 32 yards for the dynamic returner, who continues to show off his explosiveness in that area. It seems like it’s just a matter of time before he finally takes one to the end zone.
DOWN: P Jake Bailey
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – DECEMBER 18: Matthew Adams #49 of the Indianapolis Colts blocks the punt of Jake Bailey #7 of the New England Patriots during the first quarter at Lucas Oil Stadium on December 18, 2021 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
What the hell is going on with this kid? Seven punts for an average of 38.7 yards, which is decidedly not good. Only one punt downed within the 20-yard line. Sunday was a triumph for the Patriots’ special teams units overall, but Bailey continues to struggle with his consistency striking the ball.
