FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) — One of many knocks on the Patriots’ offense coming into the season centered round their lack of veteran depth at operating again and broad receiver.
New England’s rookies may need silenced these questions by contributing in a fashion that nobody noticed coming throughout what could have been the Patriots’ greatest win this season.
Rookie operating again TreVeyon Henderson and broad receiver Kyle Williams accounted for 3 of the Patriots’ 4 touchdowns throughout Sunday’s 28-23 victory over Tampa Bay.
All three of their scores had been from 50 or extra yards, serving to New England to its seventh consecutive win, its longest streak since final qualifying for the playoffs throughout the 2021 season.
“We’re going to wish all people all through this season. We’re going to wish all people as this factor goes on,” coach Mike Vrabel mentioned.
The performances didn’t come with out a scary second within the third quarter when Henderson briefly left to be evaluated for a leg damage after he was landed on by a Buccaneers tackler.
However he was in a position to return, including a 69-yard landing run to place the Patriots forward by a two scores late within the fourth quarter. It turned out to be wanted after Tampa Bay received inside 5 factors with lower than a minute to play.
“He battled by on that – I received wore out operating on the market to see how our guys had been doing as many occasions as I did,” Vrabel mentioned. “However I’m pleased with the blokes that battled and competed and laid it on the road.”
Henderson, who completed with a career-best 147 yards on 14 carries and had a 55-yard TD run within the third quarter, credited the help from his teammates for his efficiency.
“The fellows up entrance, they made it simple for me,” he mentioned. “They opened it up actually (nicely). My greatest factor is to be decisive and hit it as soon as I see it. I thank the blokes up entrance for caring for the soiled work.”
What’s working
A trademark of the Patriots’ success throughout their present streak has been how they’ve began the second half of video games. Over the last seven victories, New England has scored on the opening drive of the second half in every sport, with 5 touchdowns and two discipline targets.
What wants assist
Drake Maye threw for 270 yards and two touchdowns, however made a virtually critical mistake within the fourth quarter. The Patriots had been main 21-16 and dealing with third-and-goal on the two when Maye tried to suit a go into a good window to Mack Hollins. However Tykee Smith was in a position to step in entrance for the interception, denying New England an opportunity to stretch its result in eight.
The Patriots protection stepped up and stopped the Buccaneers on fourth down on their ensuing possession simply exterior of the purple zone. Maye didn’t remorse the throw, however it was a lesson to typically err on the facet of warning in these conditions.
Top off
Williams. There have been questions coming into the week about who would fill the void with Kayshon Boutte inactive because of a hamstring damage. Williams answered that emphatically on Sunday, getting separation and outstretching a defender for a catch close to the sideline, after which outsprinting a number of gamers for a 72-yard landing. It marked the rookie third-round decide’s first profession NFL landing and was the Patriots’ longest play of the season.
“We all the time say you put together as a starter and I actually took that to coronary heart this week as a result of I knew what was at stake,” Williams mentioned. “While you get a chance, you’re not promised one other one. You get what I’m saying? So, for me, it was simply taking advantage of it each time my opps got here, simply taking advantage of it after which simply stacking. So, I’m pleased with myself.”
Inventory down
The Patriots protection’s streak of being the one NFL crew to not permit a 50-yard rusher this season ended Sunday —- however it was shut. Tampa Bay’s Sean Tucker completed the day with 9 carries for 53 yards.
Accidents
Patriots: DT Christian Barmore (again) was harm within the fourth quarter. … RB Terrell Jennings (knee) didn’t return within the second half. … As well as, Boutte (hamstring), RB Rhamondre Stevenson (toe) and LB Christian Elliss (hip)) had been all inactive.
Key quantity
50 — The Patriots are one in all two groups within the NFL since 2000 to have a number of 50-plus yard receptions and a number of 50-plus yard rushes in the identical sport, becoming a member of Miami (Sept. 24, 2023).
Subsequent steps
New England shall be on a brief week because it tries to increase its win streak at dwelling in opposition to the AFC East-rival New York Jets on Thursday night time.
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