Rookies Bring the Heat to Tampa in Patriots Statement Win
The New England Patriots are now on a seven-game winning streak after beating one of their toughest opponents of the season in the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Buccaneers started fast, but lulled until it was too late, ultimately falling 28-23 to New England, who was fueled by explosive plays all game. Considering the key injuries for both teams, the matchup had all the makings of a great game—MVP-worthy quarterback performances, rookie breakouts, and bold coaching calls that kept the game close. Here are my takeaways from the Patriots' statement win in Tampa.
Rookies Won New England the Game
Rookie wide receiver Kyle Williams and rookie running back TreVeyon Henderson combined for three explosive touchdowns in today’s game. Early in the game, Williams set the tone with a 72-yard catch and run that evened the score going into the second quarter. It was his first reception since week three and only his third of the season, but it was electrifying for the Patriots. On the other hand, Henderson recorded 147 yards and two touchdowns on the day. Each touchdown came off breakaway runs—the first a 55-yard outburst to extend the lead, and the second, a 69-yard explosion that not only sealed the game, but served as the team’s longest run of the season. If I took anything away from these rookies’ performance against the best in the NFC South, it’s that the future is bright in New England.
Mike Vrabel Knows How to Play with Fire
With 1:44 left until halftime, the Patriots were on the one-yard line, and Mike Vrabel decided to keep the game interesting. Tampa Bay was up 10-7, and Drake Maye essentially took a knee despite a fresh set of downs at the one. Then, Henderson was denied a touchdown run on back-to-back plays, setting New England up for fourth-and-goal, where Stefon Diggs bailed the team out with a beautiful toe-tap touchdown catch. The drive was successful, but the whole time, I couldn’t help but wonder, “what is Vrabel thinking?” The Buccaneers were out of timeouts, and the Patriots were getting the ball after half, and it was a perfect opportunity to get ahead for the first time in the game. Vrabel absolutely played with fire, but it was one of those moments where he was idiotic if it failed but genius if it worked—and Diggs made him a genius.
Baker Mayfield Gives the Buccaneers a Fighting Chance Every Week
Baker Mayfield’s ability to scramble in the pocket and evade sacks is unlike any other quarterback in the league. When he can evade immense pressure and still follow it up with a huge play, it is no wonder he is in the MVP conversation. Mayfield was hit five times today, but was only taken down twice. Late in the fourth quarter, Mayfield completed a pass on his way to the ground while being hit by two Patriots at once. Though he wasn’t able to convert on that fourth down, it’s his no-quit mentality and ability to fight through plays that have kept the Buccaneers at the top of their division. On the very next drive, Mayfield pushed the team 65 yards downfield in 58 seconds to execute a touchdown and make it a one-score game. He simply keeps teams on their toes throughout the duration of every game. Mayfield has achieved four fourth-quarter comebacks this season, and though he couldn’t quite pull it off today, he gives the Buccaneers a fighting chance every week, which, to me, is a mark of a great quarterback.
