By: Steve Atkinson
The Patriots have finally beaten a team with a winning record. They beat the Los Angeles Chargers Sunday proving their record to 4-4 on the season. Mac Jones didn’t have his best game and even admitted to it afterward, but the defense stepped up big with a key interception in the fourth quarter by Adrian Phillips. The Patriots really needed this win after beating the Jets twice and barely beating the Houston Texans. They went on the road and beat a good team with a good quarterback. They now play the Panthers on Sunday in hopes to improve their record to 5-4.
The Patriots did miss opportunities to score touchdowns in this game. They settled for field goals and turned the ball over on downs. Jones, was still under pressure a lot which isn’t his fault the offensive line is wretched. He didn’t turn the ball over which really was a benefit and the defense played better than they have been in recent weeks. Mac Jones took ownership of having not the best day on the field Sunday.
I think it’s a step in the right direction though. Jonnu Smith and Hunter Henry are playing better than they did in the beginning of the season. Even Kendrick Bourne and Nelson Aghlor are adapting well. I think as the season goes on they will be better and improve each week. Now, on defense, I think they miss Stephon Gilmore. They still have holes in the secondary and Jalen Mills isn’t the answer. Bill Belichick praised his team for the good quality win they had.