After consecutive losses, the New England Patriots needed a win to answer the critics, boost confidence, and potentially clinch a playoff spot. On the first Sunday of 2022, the Patriots ticked all three boxes in dismantling the Jacksonville Jaguars. They answered the critics by jumping out early and dominating the hapless Jaguars. As the saying goes winning cures all evil, and the players seemed like they enjoyed this game from start to finish and playing with renewed exuberance. Critically, the win also meant the Patriots clinched a playoff spot with the Colts and Dolphins losing their respective games. In this article, we will discuss the five biggest takeaways from the blowout victory.
1. Mac Jones returned to form-many started the question of whether Mac Jones was wilting as the team chased a playoff spot. Some even felt that Jones had hit the proverbial “rookie wall” based on consecutive performances. Jones reminded the critics that these performances were just anomalies by completing 22 of 30 passes for 227 yards and three touchdowns. He demonstrated a tremendous ability to be accurate with the football to his targets all over the field. Mac made a few sweet throws to his wide receivers for touchdowns and outplayed Lawrence, the number 1 pick in the 2021 NFL draft. Lawrence was inaccurate with the football leading to three interceptions. Some will discount the performance and say it is only the Jaguars. However, it was the same Jaguars that held Josh Allen and the Bills to six points in an upset victory. Therefore, give credit where credit is due.
2. Running the ball is still the key-the Patriots’ blueprint for success is to run the football and execute the passing game based on its success. The run game returned to form with Stevenson and Harris combining 20 carries, 142 yards, and four touchdowns. The success of this duo highlights the importance of the Patriots playing from ahead and dictating the game. The Patriots’ offensive line is impressive to watch in how they create lanes and creases for the running backs to exploit.
3. Opportunistic defense emerges-the Patriots defense was criticized for being soft and even fraudulent despite the gaudy numbers in stopping their opponents. The unit returned to form by stopping the Jaguars with their only touchdown conceded late in garbage time in the 4th quarter. The defense got two sacks on Lawrence but their success comes from taking away the ball. In this game, the secondary had three interceptions that set the offense up to capitalize. It is a simple formula, win the turnover battle, and you likely win the game.
4. Meyers dominates while Wilkerson flashes potential-for many years Wes Welker and Julian Edelman were the main guys’ Tom Brady would look to on third down to move the chain. In the Mac Jones era, the guy he finds when he needs to convert a big third-down is Jakobi Meyers. In the game, Meyers showed his reliability by grabbing 8 catches for 73 yards and a touchdown. Wilkerson got the surprise start after N’keal Harry was a healthy scratch for the game. Wilkerson made use of his opportunity by making four catches, 42 yards, and two touchdowns. He did have a drop but his output may mean that Harry’s spot on the playoff roster is now in jeopardy
5. Playoff-bound and Week 18 excitement-the Patriots clinched their playoff birth with their tenth win. It marked the 20th time that Bill Belichick had coached a team to 10 or more victories which ties him with Don Shula for the most all-time. Despite clinching, next week’s contest against Miami is meaningful because a miraculous win for the Jets against the Bills would mean the division title for the Patriots. Week 18 will be an exciting end to the regular season because playoff seeding and the wild card places are still up for grabs. It will make for spectacular drama and television viewing.
