They Still Call It Football

 Well, it appears the New England Patriots, after some self-care and introspection during their bye week, did as many suspected they would, and simplified their approach to the game, completely eliminating the offense from their game plans.

Sometimes, defense and special teams are all you need.

[Quick Aside: I'm telling everyone I called the Marcus Jones punt return TD. Though technically it was more wish fulfillment than a definitive guarantee - scroll down to Special Special Teams - I'm still taking credit for it, anyway.]

God loves irony (and football - don't let those baseball people tell you otherwise), so it's no surprise that in Mac Jones' best game of the season, the Patriots offense could only manage to score 3 points. McCorkle did not turn the ball over while completing 23 of 27 for 246 yards, against a very good Jets defense. 

Thank the pigskin gods the Patriots defense was just a little bit better. 

And thank the pigskin gods for Marcus Jones.

That punt return was a veritable master class. Jones taking the quick jab step left before heading to the right sideline through a thicket of Patriots blockers erasing the Jets coverage, and then, breaking back to the middle of the field and sprinting into the end zone with an escort of Pats special teamers (and no, that was not a block in the back). 

Did I mention the Patriots are no longer in last place in the AFC East?

Still, this remains a deeply flawed team and one that may have suffered the cruelest of blows in what appears to be a season-ending injury to C David Andrews, a loss this truly offensive offensive line cannot afford to endure.

But…

It strikes me this past Sunday's game reflected what has been the essence of the Belichick-era Patriots. 

They find a way. 

It's easy to chalk up New England's early 21st Century success to Tom Brady, and without discounting the GOAT, it's also worth remembering the games the Patriots won with a wide receiver pressed into duty as a defensive back, or the many games that turned on a play in the kicking game. New England earned its unfair reputation as cheaters by winning games they had no business winning. 

Like this past Sunday's game.

However…

I'm not saying these 2022 Patriots will be bringing home Lombardi #7. 

I am saying I wouldn't bet against it.

Next up, the Patriots will play on the road, on a short week, against a Vikings team that just got humiliated in their home building by the Cowboys, with a chance for redemption on national television.

I think the Pats may need to score a touchdown to win that one.

Go Pats!