A week one win had the Patriots’ hopes set high for what seemed to be a rebuilding season, however the following two games have undoubtedly proved it to be so. In week one, the Patriots matched up with the Joe Burrow-led Cincinnati Bengals, in a game that seemed like there was no hope. However, the Patriots pulled off an immaculate upset victory, beating the Bengals 16-10. The game was controlled on the offensive standpoint by running back Rhamodre Stevenson. Stevenson racked up 120 rushing yards on 20 carries for a touchdown, also tallying 3 receptions for 6 totals yards. On the defensive side of the ball, the game was dominated by Keion White, who contributed 2.5 sacks for 3 total tackles. The defensive showing made Patriots fans very surprised and excited. Fan and Hingham High student Jimmy Magner said, “The Patriots— from a defensive standpoint— are looking like a top 10 team.”
Week two, on the other hand, did not go as well for New England. In a close contest against the Seahawks, the Patriots fell short by three points to an overtime field goal by Jason Myers, making the final score 23-20. Although Myers sealed the win for Seahawks, the top two contributors had to be receivers D.K Metcalf and Jaxon Smith-Njigba, who combined for twenty two receptions, two hundred forty six yards, and a fifty six yard touchdown for D.K Metcalf. On New England, standout players Hunter Henry and Ja’Lynn Polk were exciting to watch get lots of targets and receptions, as it gives fans hope for the future. Ultimately, week two still fueled the hope of Patriots fans, as the team played well against a talented Seahawks defense.
Week three was undoubtedly rough for Patriots fans. The Patriots had a short week as they played on Thursday against the New York Jets. The Jets stomped the Pats in a 24-3 blowout victory. A healthy Aaron Rodgers was behind the helm for the Jets and dominated. Rodgers threw for two hundred eighty three yards and two passing touchdowns, caught by Allen Lazard and Garret Wilson. The deciding factor for the Jets was their shut down defense. The Jets only allowed seven first downs all game, and achieved seven sacks. Patriots quarterback Jacoby Brisset had a rough game; he was unable to move the ball downfield, and only threw for ninety eight yards. This horrible showing caused fans like student Beckett Williams to remark on the performance: “Get Tom Brady out of the booth and back on the field,” said Williams, after a long Thursday night of watching his team lose. A silver lining of the game for fans was that rookie quarterback Drake Maye made an appearance. Patriots fans need a serious morale boost, and Maye was able to fill that part by completing four passes in just eight attempts. Week four for the Patriots is a key determining factor in how the rest of the season turns out.
