The New England Patriots came away with the victory in Thursday Night Football against the New York Giants 35-14.
The Patriots got scores in all three phases of the game but did lose a few players to injuries mid-game in Patrick Chung and Josh Gordon. Neither returned.
Here are the winners and losers of tonight’s matchup.
Winner: Chase Winovich
The rookie was everywhere on the field.
If there is anything that Patriots head coach Bill Belichick loves the most, it is versatility and Winovich has shown that with great special teams play and pass rushing prowice.
The Michigan alum scored the only points in the first quarter after Brandon Bolden forced a Giant into a blocked punt.
Winovich is proving to be a special player and he is barely scratching the surface.
Loser: Offensive Line
This offensive line is not playing well. There is no way around it or a way say it any differently.
Brady was never comfortable with the protection he was given throwing the ball which likely lead to some of his erratic throws.
Marshall Newhouse looks terrible, Marcus Cannon still looks like a shell of himself and the line misses David Andrews.
The unit is broken and you have to fix it with reinforcements or a trade.
Winner: Jakobi Meyers
The undrafted free agent who made the roster after a near flawless training camp, Meyers was not supposed to be a top receiver at any point in any game this season.
But there he was in the middle of the first half leading all Patriots receivers in yardage and made arguably the best catch of the game to set up the first offensive touchdown of the game.
He did not get out Scott-free as he had a horrible attempted block on a screen pass to Edelman.
Push: Tom Brady
Brady had one of his worst first halves in recent memory.
At one point the six-time Super Bowl champion had more than five consecutive incompletions which for any quarterback is abysmal. His arm was erratic to say the least.
Brady also threw a horrid interception completely missing Edelman on a pass downfield.
Brady followed that up with 14 straight completions to start the second half. That just goes to show what you can do with good protection.
Winner: Brandon Bolden
Bolden should have more time on offense. In fact he should have had more time earlier on his career.
The Ole Miss alum has demonstrated great versatility whether it is physical running or crisp route running as a passing back.
This being his second straight week with a score, Bolden deserves more time on offense with a shortage of weapons.
Winner: Defense
What an unbelievable performance by the Patriots’ defense.
This unit is an unbelievable group in a league that is so offensive centric.
The ball hawking secondary picked off three passes and forced a fumble with Kyle Van Noy running it back for the score in the waning minutes of the game to all but ensure the victory.
This was Kyle Van Noy’s third touchdown of his career.
Winner: Julian Edelman
Edelman has not looked like a 33-year-old wide receiver as he put on a phenomenal Thursday Night display.
With nine receptions for 113 yards tonight, the Kent State alum passed Stanley Morgan for third all-time in team receptions.
He is still Brady’s bread and butter.
