The New England Patriots made a stunning comeback on Sunday Night Football, bouncing back from a devastating loss to the Buffalo Bills. But here's where it gets controversial: While Drake Maye's performance was undoubtedly impressive, it's the controversial no-call on Kayshon Boutte's near-reception that has everyone talking.
Seven Takeaways from the Patriots' Comeback Win:
Drake Maye's Signature Moment: Maye's clutch performance was a sight to behold. After a disappointing performance last week, he stepped up when it mattered most, leading the Patriots to a thrilling comeback win. His 12-for-14 passing for 139 yards, including a beautiful deep ball to Kyle Williams, solidified his new signature moment.
The No-Call That Changed the Game: With three minutes remaining and the Patriots trailing by two scores, Kayshon Boutte was tackled on a near-reception that would have set his team up at the six-yard line. However, no flag was thrown, which many believe was an egregious no-call. This play changed the momentum of the game, forcing the Patriots to do things the hard way.
Injury Concerns: The Patriots saw far too many players enter the medical tent on Sunday. Offensive linemen Morgan Moses and Thayer Munford Jr., running back TreVeyon Henderson, wide receivers Stefon Diggs and Kayshon Boutte, and defensive linemen Joshua Farmer and Khyiris Tonga all suffered injuries. Despite these setbacks, the Patriots managed to come away with a victory, which is no small feat.
Planning for the King: The Patriots' strategy to stop running back Derrick Henry was to line up six players on the line of scrimmage. However, it didn't work as planned, with the Ravens opening the game with a play-action concept that resulted in a 19-yard gain for Zay Flowers. Henry then scored on a 21-yard tote, changing the way he was used for the remainder of the game.
TheEw Factor: The Patriots' fake punt attempt was a pretty decent contender for the worst in NFL history. Linebacker Marte Mape, the team's personal punt protector, was asked to throw a pass back across his body on the run but couldn't find anyone open. He ran with the ball outstretched and was eventually stripped for a turnover.
Diggin' In: Stefon Diggs had been surprisingly quiet throughout the last month, but Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels made sure he was more involved in this game. Diggs finished with nine receptions for 138 yards, including several third-down conversions and the final fourth-down conversion that led to the game-winning touchdown.
Veteran Problems: While the Patriots are a relatively young team, there are a few elders running around out there. Morgan Moses and Hunter Henry are two of the oldest players on the active roster, and their age seems to be catching up with them. Moses missed two series with a knee injury, and Henry had an awful opening drive, dropping a touchdown and whiffing on a block that led to a negative run. Despite these setbacks, both players settled in and played well, but it's fair to keep an eye on them moving forward.
As the Patriots continue to navigate injuries and age-related concerns, their ability to adapt and overcome challenges will be crucial to their success. Will they be able to sustain this momentum and make a deep playoff run? Only time will tell. But one thing is for sure: Drake Maye's signature moment has set the stage for an exciting season ahead.
