Patriots Takeaways: Another failed two-minute drive leads to one more loss
FOXBOROUGH, Mass – The New England Patriots could not get the job done once again. A slow start, combined with numerous special teams penalties and deep plays by the Washington offense, left the Patriots trying to get the win in the final two minutes. But once again, they were unsuccessful. Every player is taking accountability […]
FOXBOROUGH, Mass – The New England Patriots could not get the job done once again.
A slow start, combined with numerous special teams penalties and deep plays by the Washington offense, left the Patriots trying to get the win in the final two minutes. But once again, they were unsuccessful.
Every player is taking accountability for the current record, but that only goes so far. The issues need to be addressed and fixed if they have any chance of turning this season around.
Final Score: Commanders 20, Patriots 17
Notable Plays
First Quarter
– Commanders' Antonio Gibson starts the game strong with a 37-yard kick off return, but Washington proceeded to go three-and-out.
– Mac Jones connected with Hunter Henry on the Patriots second third-down conversion of the day. Per ESPN's Mike Reiss, this already eclipsed "their total third-down conversions" from last week's loss to the Miami Dolphins.
– Patriots attempt to go for it on 4th-and-3, but Mac Jones' pass intended for Tyquan Thornton is incomplete and it's a turnover on downs. That drive was 11 plays, picking up three first downs, but New England could not get into field goal range.
– Anfernee Jennings comes away with a big tackle on Sam Howell while the quarterback was rushing on 3rd & 1. The Commanders are forced to kick a field goal, and Joey Slye hits it from 37 yards.
Second Quarter
– Commander's go up by two scores after Brian Robinson runs it in for a 9-yard touchdown.
– Patriots go three-and-out once again, but Jahlani Tavai punches the ball out from Brian Robinson and it's Davon Godchaux who recovers Patriots. Mac Jones and the offense waste no time, with the quarterback finding Hunter Henry in the end zone for a 14-yard touchdown. Chad Ryland's extra point is good.
– After forcing the Commanders to punt once again, Rhamondre Stevenson showed off some serious speed, taking it to the house for a 60-yard touchdown run. This was the longest touchdown of Stevenson's career.
– Sam Howell makes a brutal decision in the final minute, and Kyle Dugger capitalized on that one, intercepting him in the end zone.
HALFTIME SCORE: Patriots 14, Commanders 10
Third Quarter
– Commanders DE K.J. Henry executed a brutal hit on Mac Jones to bring him down for a sack. However, the officials flew the flag and he was called for roughing the passer. A very questionable call on a solid play by Washington.
– Chad Ryland makes a 43-yard field goal.
– Sam Howell connects with Jahan Dotson for a 33-yard touchdown pass, to tie the game up.
– Commanders' Joey Slye hits the 30-yard field goal, providing Washington with a three point lead.
Fourth Quarter
– The Patriots were set to get the ball back with just under three minutes remaining and the Commanders punted the ball with Demario Douglas coming away with a nice return. However, Mack Wilson Sr. jumped offsides during the punt, resulting in a first down for Washington.
– The Commanders solidified the win after intercepting a pass intended for JuJu Smith-Schuster on the Patriots two-minute drive.
Observations:
– Prior to the game, some members of the Patriots team (including Demario Douglas) could be seen wearing shirts during warm ups in honor of Lewiston, Maine. They also held a moment of silence in honor of the victims from the tragic shooting.
– Today is also the Salute to Service Game at Gillette, with a helicopter flyover going over Gillette before kick off.
– Washington called tails, but the coin came up head and the Patriots won, electing to defer.
– J.C. Jackson was missing from the field during warmups, but ran out with the team. However, it was Shaun Wade who got the start, playing opposite Jonathan Jones on the Commander's first drive.
– With Trent Brown out, OT Conor McDermott, who was elevated from the practice squad on Saturday, took over at left tackle.
– After being sidelined for the first three defensive series of the game, Jack Jones came into the game during the second quarter.
