• Latest
  • Trending
  • All
  • NFL
  • NHL
  • MLB
  • NBA
  • Pro Wrestling
  • MMA
The Struggle is Real: Patriots Standout Performances in Week 7

The Struggle is Real: Patriots Standout Performances in Week 7

October 26, 2020
AEW Signs “The Big Show” Paul Wight

AEW Signs “The Big Show” Paul Wight

February 24, 2021
A Gentleman and a Scholar: Neal Pionk Officially Receives Business Degree

A Gentleman and a Scholar: Neal Pionk Officially Receives Business Degree

February 24, 2021
ADVERTISEMENT
Patriots 2021 NFL Draft Prospect: RB Jaret Patterson

Patriots 2021 NFL Draft Prospect: RB Jaret Patterson

February 24, 2021

2021 Chiefs Draft Prospect: Kadarius Toney

February 24, 2021
Las Vegas Raiders

Raiders Opinion: Two Hellish Years

February 24, 2021
NFL Free Agency: Are We Sure The Patriots Can Still Win Over Free Agents?

NFL Free Agency: Are We Sure The Patriots Can Still Win Over Free Agents?

February 23, 2021

This Or That: Eric Fisher Or Mitchell Schwartz?

February 23, 2021
Ja’Marr Chase or Devonta Smith: Best Fit for Miami with No. 3 Pick?

Ja’Marr Chase or Devonta Smith: Best Fit for Miami with No. 3 Pick?

February 23, 2021
Raiders Head Coach Jon Gruden

Raiders Opinion: Erasing Past Draft Failures

February 23, 2021
Sabres Season Crumbling Due to Illness, Injuries and Internal Issues

Sabres Season Crumbling Due to Illness, Injuries and Internal Issues

February 23, 2021
WWE Raw Results, Grade & Opinion: February 22, 2021

WWE Raw Results, Grade & Opinion: February 22, 2021

February 23, 2021

Staying Or Going: Chiefs 2021 Pending Free Agents

February 22, 2021
  • Apply to Write
  • Contact Us
  • FullPressRadio.com
  • SHOP FPC
  • FullPressHockey.com
  • FullPressWrestling.com


Wednesday, February 24, 2021
Full Press Coverage
  • Latest
    • Full Press Radio Network
    • Apply to Write
    • Feedback
    • Privacy Policy
  • NFL
    • AFC
      • Baltimore Ravens
      • Buffalo Bills
      • Cincinnati Bengals
      • Cleveland Browns
      • Denver Broncos
      • Houston Texans
      • Indianapolis Colts
      • Jacksonville Jaguars
      • Kansas City Chiefs
      • Las Vegas Raiders
      • Los Angeles Chargers
      • Miami Dolphins
      • New England Patriots
      • New York Jets
      • Pittsburgh Steelers
      • Tennessee Titans
    • NFC
      • Arizona Cardinals
      • Atlanta Falcons
      • Carolina Panthers
      • Chicago Bears
      • Dallas Cowboys
      • Detroit Lions
      • Green Bay Packers
      • Los Angeles Rams
      • Minnesota Vikings
      • New Orleans Saints
      • New York Giants
      • Philadelphia Eagles
      • San Francisco 49ers
      • Seattle Seahawks
      • Tampa Bay Buccaneers
      • Washington Football Club
  • NBA
  • MLB
  • NHL
  • Fantasy Sports
  • Pro Wrestling
  • Other Sports
    • College Sports
    • MMA
    • XFL
    • Futbol
    • AAF
  • Podcasts
    • FPC Radio LIVE
    • Dylan and Ross Save Sports
    • The Eye Test for Two
    • Big Bad Bruins Podcast
    • Black Tuesday
    • Get Off My Lawn
    • The Sap and Kat Show
    • Talkamania
    • Crossbody of Work
    • The Salvaggio and Cratty Sports Podcast
    • All Shows
No Result
View All Result
Full Press Coverage
No Result
View All Result
Home NFL AFC AFC East New England Patriots

The Struggle is Real: Patriots Standout Performances in Week 7

Sara Marshall by Sara Marshall
October 26, 2020
in AFC, AFC East, New England Patriots, NFL
Reading Time: 7min read
0
The Struggle is Real: Patriots Standout Performances in Week 7

(David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports)

1.7k
SHARES
3.6k
VIEWS
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

What just happened?

That was certainly not the performance most expected from this game. What happened to the defense from last week that held Denver to only field goals? What happened to the Cam Newton we saw in the first couple weeks of the season?

More FromFPC

Patriots 2021 NFL Draft Prospect: RB Jaret Patterson

Patriots 2021 NFL Draft Prospect: RB Jaret Patterson

February 24, 2021

2021 Chiefs Draft Prospect: Kadarius Toney

February 24, 2021

Raiders Opinion: Two Hellish Years

February 24, 2021

NFL Free Agency: Are We Sure The Patriots Can Still Win Over Free Agents?

February 23, 2021

It is completely fair to have concerns about this Patriots team. There is a lot to criticize and scrutinize and worries to be had. However, holding this 2020 Patriots team to the same incredibly high standards that have been had over the last two decades is just a bit unreasonable.

Tom Brady is gone. He may not have had his best season in 2019 of all his time in New England but losing him is a big hit to the team. It also cannot be forgotten that the Patriots had the most opt-outs this year, with 8 players (mostly on defense) choosing to not play due to COVID-19.

But, at the same time, many teams had opt-outs. Many teams have had to deal with unfortunate circumstances surrounding the pandemic. Some excuses can only be used so many times before you must really look at what the issue is.

And what exactly is the issue with the Patriots? With a relatively normal practice schedule this past week, lack of preparedness cannot be to blame. There were no more players added to the COVID-19 list before this game. No new injuries. So, what is it?

THE SILVER LININGS

Usually it is not difficult to find good moments in losses, but this game has really put that idea to the test. The team was not successful in any phase of the game this week, very unlike a Bill Belichick led team.

The 49ers are a well-rounded team. They did represent the NFC in the Super Bowl just this past year. And even though much of the focus in this game will be on all that went wrong, let’s not ignore the players that shined on Sunday.

Jakobi Meyers

With the receivers continuing to be the topic of discussion for the Patriots, Jakobi Meyers was finally given a chance after not playing since week 2. Ending the game with 4 receptions for 60 yards, Meyers was one of only two players for the day with more than one catch in the game.

Meyers was the only bright spot in the receiving corps this week which then begs the question, why has he not been used more? Other than Rex Burkhead, Meyers was the only receiver to see the ball more than once in this game, receiving passes from both Newton and Jarrett Stidham. After N’Keal Harry was injured in the first quarter, Meyers then seemed to get his workload. Because of his success in this game, will we see more passes thrown to Meyers in the next few weeks?

It’s clear both quarterbacks trust Meyers and with Harry injured, rare throws to Julian Edelman and virtually no production from the tight ends on the roster, Meyers could possibly provide the much needed help this offense is looking for.

Justin Bethel

The Patriots special teams is usually one part of the team that  1. Isn’t talked about often and 2. Is pretty solid as a unit. They didn’t do anything particularly spectacular in this game, but Justin Bethel was able to have a shining moment on Sunday.

As the 49ers scored their second touchdown in the 2nd quarter, Bethel was able to get his fingertips on the football as Robbie Gould kicked the PAT. With the PAT failing, Bethel was able to help the Patriots stay in the game, as the score then became 16-3.

It didn’t help much as the game went on, with the Patriots not scoring a single touchdown all evening. But the determination and effort put in by Bethel once again is worth noting.

THE NOT-SO-GOOD

Would it be wrong to say almost everything went badly in this game? Because it seems that is the best way to describe what happened.

Coming off an embarrassing loss to the Denver Broncos last week, it was assumed the team would have a reset and be back to playing better in week 7. But that was not the case at all, in basically all aspects of the game.

It’s difficult to pinpoint what exactly all of the issues are the team is dealing with and therefore not easy to know what needs to be done to fix them. The struggles of the past couple weeks continued in this game, like quarterback production and wide receivers making plays. But the rest will leave you scratching your head, trying to figure out what’s going on with this team.

Cam Newton

After being placed on the COVID-19 list and missing a game, Cam Newton’s mediocre play against Denver was mostly blamed on those reasons. Looking forward to week 7, despite its obvious challenges, it was hoped we would see the Cam of weeks 1 and 2.

Unfortunately, that was not the case.

It was quite a rough game for Newton, as he ended the day being benched for Jarrett Stidham in the 4th quarter. Through the quarters he did play, Cam was 9 of 15 passes for only 98 yards and 3 interceptions. Looking at those numbers, one would assume the interceptions were the biggest issue offensively for the day, but it sadly is not that easy.

The Patriots offense was of course going to be much different this season. The team has not had to worry about the quarterback position in many years, so bringing in a new guy for that position is bound to be different. But with a veteran like Newton, optimism was high for the quarterback, especially after seeing his great performances early in the season.

The popular talking point this year, (and even last year, too) has been the “lack of talent” at wide receiver. But the pass catchers are not all to blame. In this game and the last, Cam has made very questionable throws and decisions, many of which have resulted in interceptions that could have been avoided. In this game against San Francisco, Cam overlooked or completely missed passes to open receivers, not helping to move the chains.

Not being satisfied with the production from receivers on this team is not an incorrect feeling to have. With such a receiver heavy draft the past couple years, many were not thrilled with the team’s choices and constantly compare those drafted to other teams. It’s not unfair to do so, but it must also be remembered that despite the obvious issues in the receiving corps, Newton is not living up to his capabilities.

His play these past few weeks is worrisome. What has changed since the start of the season? Is Cam’s talent regressing? How much can be blamed on the receivers, especially when often they are being overlooked or missed? Only time will tell, but the Patriots will continue to have Newton as their QB1.

Tackling

The defense spent a lot of time on the field in this game, with the 49ers time of possession being 38:23, which would make sense for some mistakes here and there. But it looked as if they forgot how to tackle in this game.

With 8 of Jimmy Garoppolo’s completions and 103 of his 277 passing yards being behind the line of scrimmage, the 49ers were really not making too many deep passes down the field. Seeing this throughout the game, the defense was still not able to get to the receivers fast enough, ending the day allowing an average of 7.4 yards per play.

The biggest sore spot for the defense in this game was allowing 189 of the 277 passing yards to occur after the catch. With Garoppolo making small passes to receivers, the defense did not have to go far to make a tackle. They just didn’t do it.

The pass rush was also a struggle in this game. On the opening drive, Ja’Whan Bentley missed a sack on Jimmy Garoppolo on 3rd down, allowing him to run for a 1st. This drive continued for a touchdown with the defense allowing San Francisco to score in the first five minutes of the game.

dhgh

Stopping the Run

Over the last couple seasons, the Patriots run defense has struggled to successfully stop/slow down running backs and this game was no different. With one of the Niners best backs out, (Raheem Mostert) the bulk of the carries were given to Jeff Wilson Jr. who ended the game with 17 carries for 112 yards and 3 touchdowns.

With all 4 of San Francisco’s touchdowns coming on the ground, the Patriots made it easy for them all game. Ending the game allowing 197 rushing yards wasn’t the biggest issue for the defense, though. The Patriots allowed 132 of those yards to occur after initial contact.

Ball Security

The struggles of not turning the ball over reared its ugly head once again in this game, as there were 4 interceptions and 2 fumbles. Fortunately, the fumbles were recovered by the team, but the issue of ball security is still poignant.

Cam Newton’s struggle with turning the ball over continued in this week, making it a total of 5 interceptions for him over the last two games. Since returning from the COVID-19 list, it seems as if Cam’s awareness has taken a turn for the worse. It’s difficult to decipher what has caused this, as Newton himself has said he is not feeling any lingering effects from the coronavirus nor any injuries. But with many of his interceptions resulting in drives for points by opponents, this is definitely another sore spot for this Patriots offense.

It is difficult to be optimistic about your team when it feels like nothing is going right. Feeling that way about the Patriots right now is justifiable of course, but it’s easy to forget that the 2020 team was not going to be something Patriots fans were used to.

The past two decades of success completely spoiled Patriots fans. Every year was Super Bowl or bust, anything less was a massive disappointment. But it is completely unfair to hold this year’s team to that same standard.

Cam Newton is not Tom Brady. To expect him to be is setting yourself up for disappointment, not to mention an unfair standard to hold for Newton. This is a year of growth, and with that comes growing pains. Expectations were set extremely high for Cam, and we’ve seen flashes of outstanding play from him this year. However, there are a culmination of factors hindering success for this team.

As the next game against the Bills is crucial, especially for playoffs implications, the Patriots will really need to examine their struggles and get them sorted out quickly.

(Photo credits to Ollie Longo – @ojl.photo on Instagram)

 

–Sara Marshall is a Staff Writer for Full Press Coverage and covers the New England Patriots. Follow her on Twitter @sarmarxo

Tags: cam newtonNew England PatriotsSan Francisco 49ersThree Upthree up/three down
Share665Tweet416
Previous Post

NFL Monday Night Football Odds: Underdog Bears Ride Road Win Streak into LA

Next Post

Takeaways from Scott Turner Press Conference 10-26-20

Sara Marshall

Sara Marshall

Next Post
Takeaways from Scott Turner Press Conference 10-26-20

Takeaways from Scott Turner Press Conference 10-26-20

Raiders DC Paul Guenther

Same Song: Raiders Play Sad, Familiar Tune

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

A Twitter List by iglen31

FPC Podcasts

  • Ep.56: Carr Extension, Honest Assessments
    by Full Press Coverage on February 24, 2021 at 4:23 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV5122049759.mp3
  • Ep 30: Pro Football Hall of Famer John Lynch Joins
    by Full Press Coverage on February 24, 2021 at 3:52 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/43617711/eyetest_ep30.mp3
  • Ep.65: The Darrell Crawford Interview
    by Full Press Coverage on February 24, 2021 at 3:46 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV2561778107.mp3
  • Ep. 64: The Kelly Marsh Interview
    by Full Press Coverage on February 24, 2021 at 3:43 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV5086812743.mp3
  • The Game Spring Training Edition
    by Full Press Coverage on February 24, 2021 at 2:00 am

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/43609359/the_game_223.mp3
  • Ep. 190: Knowledge, Power, and Responsibility
    by Full Press Coverage on February 24, 2021 at 12:47 am

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV9146904875.mp3
  • Full Press EP 6: Offseason Predictions, Free Agents, Draft Talk
    by Full Press Coverage on February 23, 2021 at 10:03 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/43606334/full_press_ep_6_mon_1132_01.mp3
  • Points Three Out of Four - Feb. 23, 2021
    by Full Press Coverage on February 23, 2021 at 9:00 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV9962807538.mp3?updated=1614113395
  • Ep 29: Hines Ward, Ben Roethlisberger, and the Steelers with Ed Bouchette
    by Full Press Coverage on February 23, 2021 at 6:00 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/43603822/eyetest_ep29.mp3
  • Ep. 189: White Fragility, Misogyny, and Failure
    by Full Press Coverage on February 23, 2021 at 3:26 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV6578023174.mp3

  • AEW Signs “The Big Show” Paul Wight
    by Evan Gomes on February 24, 2021 at 4:35 pm

    Well… AEW has announced the signing of wrestling legend Paul Wight, known in WWE as The Big Show, […]

  • WWE Raw Results, Grade & Opinion: February 22, 2021
    by Evan Gomes on February 23, 2021 at 5:04 am

    WWE Raw Results, Grades & Opinion: February 22, 2021 A.K.A. The One Where Bobby Lashley Makes […]

  • WWE Elimination Chamber 2021 Results, Grades & Opinion
    by Evan Gomes on February 22, 2021 at 3:33 am

    WWE Elimination Chamber 2021 Results, Grades & Opinion A.K.A. The One Without A Women’s […]

  • Crossbody of Work Episode 51: The Rock Part Three – Hollywood Star
    by Evan Gomes on February 20, 2021 at 3:05 pm

    Welcome to Crossbody of Work, a show where we break down a wrestler’s career through five of […]

  • AEW Dynamite Results, Grades & Opinion: February 17, 2021
    by Evan Gomes on February 18, 2021 at 4:18 am

    AEW Dynamite Results, Grades & Opinion: February 17, 2021 A.K.A. The One With A Gender Reveal […]

More Wrestling News

  • Offense, Goaltending Shine Bright in Rockford
    by Elaine Shircliff on February 24, 2021 at 1:06 pm

    The Cleveland Monsters and Rockford IceHogs goaltending and offense stood out during their midweek […]

  • A Gentleman and a Scholar: Neal Pionk Officially Receives Business Degree
    by Carter Brooks on February 24, 2021 at 4:57 am

    It's not like he wasn't before, but Neal Pionk has now certainly pushed his way to the front of […]

  • Claude Giroux Returns As The Flyers Look To Reset Their Season
    by Carol Schram on February 24, 2021 at 2:51 am

    The Philadelphia Flyers will be looking to get back to business with captain Claude Giroux ready to […]

  • Sabres Season Crumbling Due to Illness, Injuries and Internal Issues
    by Michael Augello on February 23, 2021 at 1:45 pm

    After making sweeping changes within the organization and to their roster, the Buffalo Sabres have […]

  • Crosby Hits the 1000 Game Milestone
    by Luke Talotta on February 23, 2021 at 11:45 am

    Penguins Captain Sidney Crosby reached his 1000th NHL game, and congratulations were in order for […]

More Hockey News

  • Ep 54: Boston Strong Through First Quarter; Bruins Ready For Tahoe; Trade Rumors
    by Full Press Coverage on February 19, 2021 at 1:42 pm

    Ian and Chris discuss the Bruins first quarter of the season, the upcoming […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://anchor.fm/s/cc094d0/podcast/play/26944781/sponsor/amsj67/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2021-02-19%2F9842e3b3bd832cd255d0058b2a68b0b5.m4a
  • Ep 53: Bruins On a Roll; Brad Marchand and Charlie McAvoy; Blackey Family History
    by Full Press Coverage on February 3, 2021 at 10:40 pm

    Ian and Chris are joined by Eric Blackey to talk Bruins' hot streak, […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://anchor.fm/s/cc094d0/podcast/play/26174126/sponsor/amsj67/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2021-02-03%2F66793c2461c1f0eaf37253a4e481f46b.m4a
  • Ep 52: Bruins Early Season Struggles
    by Full Press Coverage on January 21, 2021 at 10:51 pm

    Ian and Chris react to the first few games of the season and wonder what […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://anchor.fm/s/cc094d0/podcast/play/25536904/sponsor/amsj67/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2021-01-21%2F3056b20d5e95c23e9c23b40f379c9029.m4a
  • Ep 51: Bergeron Dons The "C", Picking Up the Chara/Krug Slack; Season Expectations
    by Full Press Coverage on January 13, 2021 at 10:20 pm

    Mike Cratty of the Sal and Cratty Show and BlackNGoldHockey.com joins Ian […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://anchor.fm/s/cc094d0/podcast/play/25157918/sponsor/amsj67/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2021-01-13%2F4542c465ec7a3234f146bea647ede57e.m4a
  • Ep 50: Mr. Chara Goes to Washinton
    by Full Press Coverage on December 31, 2020 at 9:14 pm

    Ian and Chris react to the Capitals signing of Bruins longtime captain, […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://anchor.fm/s/cc094d0/podcast/play/24623669/sponsor/amsj67/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2020-12-31%2F26d5b85c06ec2255c2f6cfc78b24cf94.m4a
  • Ep 49: Bruins New Division; Chara's Future in Boston
    by Full Press Coverage on December 23, 2020 at 7:21 pm

    Ian and Chris return to discuss the NHL's 56-game season, the Bruins new […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://anchor.fm/s/cc094d0/podcast/play/24356084/sponsor/amsj67/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2020-12-23%2F5755949a0115f50df8582cc32916323a.m4a
  • Ep 48: Jake DeBrusk Signs; Reverse Retro Jerseys; Thanksgiving Food Draft
    by Full Press Coverage on November 26, 2020 at 5:54 pm

    On this Thanksgiving episode of the Big Bad Bruins Podcast, Ian and Chris […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://anchor.fm/s/cc094d0/podcast/play/23142833/sponsor/amsj67/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2020-11-26%2F52d6fc857b1cd37d19b4fe24752398f6.m4a
Full Press Coverage

© 2020 Full Press Coverage

Navigate Site

  • Staff Portal
  • Apply to Write
  • Contact Us
  • Have a news tip?
  • Privacy Policy
  • FPC Radio Network
  • NFL
  • NBA
  • MLB
  • FullPressHockey.com

Follow Us

No Result
View All Result
  • Latest
    • Full Press Radio Network
    • Apply to Write
    • Feedback
    • Privacy Policy
  • NFL
    • AFC
      • Baltimore Ravens
      • Buffalo Bills
      • Cincinnati Bengals
      • Cleveland Browns
      • Denver Broncos
      • Houston Texans
      • Indianapolis Colts
      • Jacksonville Jaguars
      • Kansas City Chiefs
      • Las Vegas Raiders
      • Los Angeles Chargers
      • Miami Dolphins
      • New England Patriots
      • New York Jets
      • Pittsburgh Steelers
      • Tennessee Titans
    • NFC
      • Arizona Cardinals
      • Atlanta Falcons
      • Carolina Panthers
      • Chicago Bears
      • Dallas Cowboys
      • Detroit Lions
      • Green Bay Packers
      • Los Angeles Rams
      • Minnesota Vikings
      • New Orleans Saints
      • New York Giants
      • Philadelphia Eagles
      • San Francisco 49ers
      • Seattle Seahawks
      • Tampa Bay Buccaneers
      • Washington Football Club
  • NBA
  • MLB
  • NHL
  • Fantasy Sports
  • Pro Wrestling
  • Other Sports
    • College Sports
    • MMA
    • XFL
    • Futbol
    • AAF
  • Podcasts
    • FPC Radio LIVE
    • Dylan and Ross Save Sports
    • The Eye Test for Two
    • Big Bad Bruins Podcast
    • Black Tuesday
    • Get Off My Lawn
    • The Sap and Kat Show
    • Talkamania
    • Crossbody of Work
    • The Salvaggio and Cratty Sports Podcast
    • All Shows

© 2020 Full Press Coverage