As Newton put it, “Burky had a video game”. As ESPNs Mike Reiss articulated it, Burkhead “provided the self-evident highlight.”
As the Boston Heralds Karen Guregian wrote, the Patriots offense proved they can still score efficiently without their go-to guy.
On Sunday, it was running backs Sony Michel and Rex Burkhead, amongst others, that soared versus the Raiders. Michel had 9 carries for 117 lawns, while Burkhead had 6 carries for 49 lawns, and captured 7 passes for 49 lawns.
” They can win when Newton is kind of a spectator,” Curran composed. Didnt … For the 2nd time in 3 games the Patriots topped 200 yards rushing (250 yards) and this time it wasnt actually the hazard of Newton that propelled them.”
While Patriots quarterback Web cam Newton has been dubbed Superman, some NFL professionals think the Patriots dont necessarily need him to come to the rescue in order to win.
As held true on Sunday versus the Las Vegas Raiders. Newton, who was 17-for-28 of 162 lawns with a touchdown in the teams 36-20 win, expressed with uber-confidence that the Patriots offense has “so many various methods to beat you” schematically.
That, as NBC Sports Bostons Tom E. Curran explained, is precisely what makes the Patriots so hazardous. Newton is deadly, but so are the other weapons on the team.
” One of the biggest takeaways from Sundays 36-20 win over the Raiders was enjoying the Patriots offense still stack up a lot of points, and still win when Cam Newton isnt flying on all cylinders,” she composed, adding: “Actually, it was more like returning to their strengths. It was relying on a power run game, and having an inspired arsenal of backs take advantage of strong offending line play up front from whats best referred to as a makeshift line.”
Heres what else NFL professionals are saying about the Patriots win, and who stood out most:
Nick Goss, NBC Sports Boston: “The Patriots required a strong game from their hurrying attack due to the fact that quarterback Cam Newton was typical at best as a passer … If the Patriots are going to be a contender for the AFC title in 2020, the run video game will have to carry them to success. Sundays performance was really much a positive action forward because regard.
Isaiah Houde, Patriots Wire: “The Patriots had a league-high eight opt-outs, new crop of linebackers, the departure of Tom Brady and Bill Belichick still put together a team that can play first-class football in all three stages. For Cam Newtons team– the rushing attack was the story of the day versus Las Vegas.
Didnt … For the 2nd time in three video games the Patriots topped 200 lawns rushing (250 lawns) and this time it wasnt actually the hazard of Newton that moved them.”
Dave DOnofrio, Boston.com: ” Its only the 3rd week of the season, and the season could enter any variety of what seem to be unlimited possibilities from here. However, at this point, this has the feel of a big win for the Patriots. Its an indication they can function, in your home, versus a group they must beat.
The Patriots lost numerous players from their front 7 on defense through totally free company and pull out, and they required a young player to step up and end up being a quality pass rusher. Far, Chase Winovich has addressed the difficulty.”
Thats why the Patriots needed the running backs to get going off-tackle and in the screen game.
On Sunday, almost every versatile defensive back the Patriots have on the roster saw some deal with Waller. For the game, after lighting it up just days previously versus the Saints, Waller had 2 catches for nine backyards on 4 targets … Its occurred typically enough that it should come as not a surprise, but Belichicks defense removed the oppositions finest player. Thats no little offer considering the respect the Patriots had for Waller getting in the weekend.”
Its a significant indication that the Patriots would entrust him with such an essential role in just his 3rd NFL video game. Hes now third on the team in snaps amongst safeties and seventh among defensive backs.”
Dugger played 25 snaps and wasnt flagged nor targeted. He was in the slot 5 times, out broad at cornerback two times and on the protective line once.
Sundays win was a huge one– for now, for next week, and perhaps for months from now, too.”
In the AFC East, it keeps them from falling 2 full video games behind the Bills, who coughed up 29 successive points but rallied for a third straight success on Sunday …
Rather, they didnt let it get there. Now they can go to Kansas City and face a challenge versus the champs with practically no pressure. They can go in aiming to develop, rather than looking, in some methods, to survive.
Devon Clements, Sports Illustrated: “Theres a stating I made up simply now, and its that Bill Belichicks viewpoint is to remove a challengers finest weapon. After lighting the Saints ablaze on Monday night, Waller had 2 catches for nine lawns in Foxboro, all of that production being available in the final five minutes of a three-possession game.”
Henry McKenna, USA Today: “This was not a great performance by Newton. When he was throwing downfield, he was often pressing the ball into tight coverage, especially when he targeted Julian Edelman. Newtons targets for Edelman nearly got the veteran receiver into significant contact. And in one case, the quarterback threw to Edelman, who was surrounded by 3 protectors.
If the Raiders had slipped into Foxborough and taken a win, there was a real possibility the Pats would reach the seasons quarter point sitting at 1-3. Their momentum would be gone, their belief may be waning, and their chances of another department title would be fleeting quickly.
On Sunday, just about every flexible defensive back the Patriots have on the roster saw some work on Waller. Thats no little offer considering the respect the Patriots had for Waller getting in the weekend.”
Thats why the Patriots needed the running backs to start off-tackle and in the screen video game. They werent having success with Newton throwing the ball. It was a surprise to see his concerns after he illuminated the Seattle Seahawks for almost 400 yards. It will be interesting to see how Newton fares versus Kansas City.”
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Waller moving all over developments throughout the course of a video game– Patriots safeties are vitally essential.
Newton didnt have an amazing video game on the stat sheets, but he was supported by Rex Burkhead and the running backs. The defense came away with timely fumbles and Darren Waller was irrelevant the whole game.”
Phil Perry, NBC Sports Boston: “As Belichick noted, with all the variety they see from offenses week to week– consisting of versatile offensive weapons like [Darren] Waller moving all over formations throughout the course of a game– Patriots safeties are essential.
