Patriots Keep Hot Streak Going

Credit: New England Patriots-Facebook

After a long stretch on the road, the New England Patriots finally returned to Gillette Stadium on Sunday to take on the Cleveland Browns.

In an interview last week before the game, star wide receiver Stefon Diggs jokingly referred to the team as ‘road warriors, ’ emphasizing the need to win at home to give the fans something to get behind. The team did just that on Sunday.

In Sunday’s game, the team struggled early, allowing an easy first-quarter touchdown to the Browns & only putting up 9 points in the first half.

After the half, the team turned it on, scoring 3 touchdowns, intercepting 2 passes, forcing a safety, and allowing only 1 touchdown, leading to a 32-13 victory.

Though the Patriots won in a nice fashion, there is still plenty of meat left on the bone. Drake Maye was sacked six times, which is utterly unacceptable, especially considering Myles Garrett had five of the six sacks, a good portion of those coming on Will Campbell. In the year, Drake Maye has been sacked 28 times. These are numbers that are disturbing for the future of the Patriots franchise. Furthermore, the Patriots continue their slow start defensively. Dillon Gabriel and the Browns were able to get into the end zone on their first offensive drive. Once the team settles in, they usually get into a groove, but it is not healthy to rely on it consistently.

As the Patriots prep to take on the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday, they’ll look to build off their elite passing game, top run defense, and their underrated special teams unit. With the passing game, Drake Maye is playing at an MVP level. His supporting cast has been playing a lot better than expected as well. Each week someone different steps up, one week it is Kayshon Boutte, the next it is Hunter Henry, or there is Stefon Diggs, but let’s not forget Pop Douglas & Mack Hollins. New England’s defense will have its hands full trying to contain Bijan Robinson, but their run defense ranks second, allowing only 76 yards/game, and they have not allowed a 50-yard rusher the entire season. Led by Marcus Jones, who just received a three-year extension, the Patriots’ punt return leads the league in average yards per punt return at 21.6.

A key storyline to watch unfold is the trade deadline coming near.

On October 28th, the team traded Keion White and a conditional day three pick to the 49ers for a sixth-round pick. Moments later, the team sent a seventh-round pick along with Kyle Dugger to the Pittsburgh Steelers for a sixth-round pick. New England is rumored to be in the market for help on the edge, but the deadline is next week, November 4th.

With the New England Patriots’ week nine matchup vs the Falcons in Gillette coming soon, there is a lot to watch for. The Pats look to win their sixth straight game, while the Falcons are desperate for a bounce-back after a devastating 34-10 home loss to the Dolphins. The teams are playing for wins on their record, but also to get a sense of where help may be needed before next Tuesday’s deadline at four pm.

Kickoff is slated for 1 PM EST as the Patriots look to extend their win streak to six games.