Here we go, finally some doughnuts to give out for Monday’s win over Buffalo! The offensive line won’t be getting any, but the defense will be!
1. The Defensive Secondary
Give them all the applause! Butler, Chung, Wilson, Ryan, and McCourty played so well Monday Night they looked like the best secondary in the league.
2. The Defensive Line
Bravo to the line! Easley, Nink, Jones, Brown, Branch, and Sheard all played very well, applying some pressure on QB Tyrod Taylor and helping out with stuffing the run game. Impressive performance from the line, but especially by Sheard, Easley, and Nink.
3. The Linebackers
Hat tip to them for shutting down the run. Mayo had a good game and of course Hightower did too. They are missing Collins, but they are holding their head above water without him. Very nice job on Monday.
4. Special Teams
Nice one Monday. Gostkowski missed one field goal, but made two others and both extra points. He’s still solid and clutch. The special teams also had a forced fumble and fumble recovery to help the Pats offense. Danny Amendola also had a nice punt return on Monday Night. Ryan Allen is an excellent punter and the cover team doesn’t let returners break many on them. Special teams continue to be a bright spot.
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1. RB James White
He showed up and showed out Monday Night. He ran for a touchdown and caught a touchdown in his coming out party. I don’t think the Pats expected it because he wasn’t a big part of their game plan when he should have been. He showed off nice hands and really nice speed. He also eluded a tackler for a beautiful touchdown catch and run. He also had a nice burst on his touchdown run. He was the star on the offensive side Monday.
2. WR Danny Amendola
He caught 12 passes for 117 yards and showed off some elusiveness that I didn’t think he had. He was the number one guy for Brady and looked the part. He also had a nice punt return.
3. CB Malcolm Butler
What a game for the Super Bowl hero! He shut down Sammy Watkins and made him a non-factor in the game. He only gave up four completions on 7 targets for just 45 yards. He was excellent.
4. CB Logan Ryan
He had a huge game against Robert Woods. He was targeted five times and allowed one receptions for four yards. He has been really solid this year.
5. DE Rob Ninkovich
He really got after Tyrod Taylor. He had 1.5 sacks, QB hit and a hurry. He stepped up for the Pats Monday.