With the Patriots enjoying rest during their bye week, I thought I would take some time to reflect on their first half of the season. It’s hard to imagine that this team started the season 2-4 and lost their first four home games. At the start of the season, the Patriots made the shocking decision to release Cam Newton and to insert rookie Mac Jones as starting quarterback. On October 6, 2021, the Patriots made another shocking decision to trade All-Pro corner Stephon Gilmore to the Carolina Panthers for a 2023 sixth-round pick. Yes, all of that did happen in the first half of the season. In this article, we will examine the biggest moments and storylines so far in this wild season.
1. Biggest Acquisition-there is only one answer, and it is Matthew Judon. The man with the red sleeve was a centerpiece to Belichick’s off-season plans, and he has lived up to the expectations. He has wreaked havoc on offensive lines this season by recording 31 solo tackles and 12.5 sacks. Judon has a high motor and is equally as good in the running game as the passing game. Judon is a high-character player and sets the tone for a stout Patriots defense.
2. Biggest wins- the biggest win of the season was the team’s last game played against their divisional rival, the Bills. The Bills swept the matchup last season, and many thought they would now own the division. The game was played in Buffalo and the worst possible weather condition of 40 miles per hour winds. Despite all the obstacles, the Patriots clawed out a win 14-10 led by a dominant in the run game finishing with 222 yards and an impressive defensive performance. Another important win was the 27-24 win over the Chargers in Los Angeles. The game will be remembered as the day when former Charger Adrian Phillips starred with two interceptions including a pick-six against Justin Herbert. It was an important win for the Patriots because it was the first against a good team, and it brought their record to 4-4 on the season.
3. Worst loss- the Patriots’ worst loss for the season was a 28-13 loss to the New Orleans Saints in week 3. The Patriots looked flat in this game, and a then fully healthy Saints team capitalized on the lackluster performance. Mac Jones had three interceptions in the game but did bring the Patriots back to only a 21-13 deficit in the fourth quarter. However, the struggling failed to stop the Saints on a nearly 7-minute drive and gave up a touchdown for a terrible loss.
4. The Heartbreakers-the crazy thing about the Patriots record is that it could have been a lot better if the team had capitalized and won some close games early in the season. There was the week one loss to the Dolphins 17-16 when the Patriots were in the position to score a touchdown late in the fourth quarter. However, Damien Harris fumbled the ball in the red zone and gave away the victory. Also, there was a damaging loss to the Cowboys in week 6. The Patriots led the game 21-20 in the fourth quarter but then Mac threw a bad interception to his former Alabama teammate Trevon Diggs that he returned for a touchdown. Then, Jones made amends by throwing a dart to Kendrick Bourne to burn Diggs on a 75-yard touchdown to lead 29-26. However, there was still too much time for Dak Prescott, and he led the Cowboys down to tie the game. After a Patriots punt in overtime, Dak ended the game with a long drive and touchdown to Cee Dee Lamb to break our hearts.
5. Brady’s return-the week 4 matchup against the Buccaneers was the most anticipated regular-season matchup in recent memory. Tom Brady made an emotional return to Foxborough and a place where he had led the franchise to 6 championships. The week leading up to the game made the storyline Belichick vs Brady. The game was played in torrential rain, and Belichick’s defense did hold Brady in check for most of the game. However, Brady pulled off his usual heroics by marching his team down for a field goal and the lead. Jones led the Patriots down the field but on a 4th and 3, Bill chose to kick a 56-yard field goal instead of attempting the first down conversion. Nick Folk, however, hit the left upright and allowed Brady to have his revenge against his former team.