While no one wants to hear about moral victories, it was an impressive display from the New England Patriots at Lambeau Field on Sunday. But with rookie Bailey Zappe down the middle, the result was still a loss in extra time, leaving the Patriots 1-3.
Here’s who stood out for better or worse, from the 27-24 loss to the Green Bay Packers.
Winner: QB Bailey Zappe. Speaking of Zappe, it was an impressive feat to get into action in a difficult situation. While it obviously wasn’t perfect, the rookie showed balance in the fourth round and hit a few play-action downfield throws. His pocket awareness should improve with more experience, which could come next Sunday if Mac Jones (ankle) and Brian Hoyer (head) are not available.
Loser: OT Isaiah Wynn. For the third week in a row, Wynn had to contend with penalty issues that cleared the offense. He was tagged for false start and offensively sticking to back-to-back play in the first half. And while he had a tough challenge against Rashan Gary, Wynn gave up two sacks – one knocked out Brian Hoyer, the other resulted in a fumble.
Poor play forced recent practice squad addition Marcus Cannon into action, although Wynn was still coming in at the time. It wouldn’t be a surprise if that becomes a more permanent change soon.
Winner: CB Marcus Jones. While fellow rookie corner Jack Jones may have had the game of the day (more on that later), Marcus Jones was one of New England’s best players on Sunday. Jones finally seemed to earn the repechage job over Myles Bryant, averaging 24.5 yards on two punt returns and 27.8 yards on four kickoff returns.
After being the most dynamic returnee to college football last season, Jones’ explosiveness helped the Patriots on multiple occasions. No one else may return spades that move forward.
Loser: Special teams. Despite Jones being solid in the return leg, the Patriots’ special teams unit had a messy day. The unit was flagged off three times while Jake Bailey had a rough run late in the fourth quarter that could have been costly
Even Marcus Jones had a play he might like, trying to fake kick coverage instead of giving a fair catch that allowed Green Bay to take the ball down on New England’s two-yard line.
Winner: CB Jack Jones. As for Jack Jones, he made the game of the day by picking Aaron Rodgers’ route and taking the house for a score. He then had the quote from the day after the game: “Personally I find it disrespectful to give me a way out.”
The interception wasn’t his only turnover of the day, as he was able to knock a ball loose and retrieve it on Green Bay’s opening drive. He has some work to do as a tackler, but the intrepid rookie impressed in his first career start.
Winner: Run Game. It was another strong performance from Damien Harris, Rhamondre Stevenson and the Patriots offensive line on the ground. Harris and Stevenson found success in both duo and out-of-zone schemes, where the six-line attacking pack opened up many cut-backs all afternoon. Cole Strange, David Andrews and Michael Onwenu had impressive performances in the interior.
Honorable Mentions: Matthew Judon continued his strong start to the year by picking up another sack and what looked like a handful of pressure. He beat Elgton Jenkins cleanly in overtime, putting a Rodgers throw-away in third place.
Hunter Henry saw only four goals and netted two, despite Jonnu Smith leaving the game early with an ankle injury. On first viewing, he also appeared to be continuing his early season battle in the run game. The patriots need more from their tight side to move forward.
Cornerback Myles Bryant seemed to struggle with Randall Cobb. He conceded a third down completion in overtime and was given a questionable pass interference penalty on the third down late in the fourth quarter.
Jahlani Tavai played a big part in Sunday’s defeat, finishing second on the team with eight tackles, some impressive in the open field.
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