Within just six days, the New England Patriots improved their record from 2-5 to 4-5 — that fourth victory being a highly contested affair against the now-6-3 Baltimore Ravens. The Patriots, who played arguably their most complete game of the season so far, made some big plays in all three phases en route to their 23-17 victory and as always we will try to crown the biggest of them in the game’s aftermath.
So, you know what to do: take a look at the candidates, and please make sure to vote for your favorite below. The play with the most votes, as always, will be broken down in greater detail later during the week.
1.) Newton to Burkhead
Cam. Rex. Touchdown. pic.twitter.com/DRkR4DO2Uf
— Pats Pulpit (@patspulpit) November 16, 2020
While Baltimore took a 7-0 lead in the early second quarter, the Patriots’ offense fought right back behind a well-balanced attack that allowed the team to drive into the Ravens’ read zone quickly. The 75-yard series was capped by Cam Newton’s third touchdown pass of the season: New England’s starting quarterback rolled out to his right before throwing a short pass to Rex Burkhead. The running back did the rest, turning around the corner to fight his way into the end zone.
2.) Meyers to Burkhead
Meet Jakobi Meyers, QB. pic.twitter.com/i8RydP2el9
— Pats Pulpit (@patspulpit) November 16, 2020
New England’s second touchdown drive again ended with a pass to Rex Burkhead, but the person throwing it looked differently: instead of Newton, Jakobi Meyers deliver the three — becoming the third wide receiver of the Bill Belichick era to throw a touchdown pass after David Patten and Julian Edelman. Meyers, a former college QB, delivered a perfect throw to his intended target. Not bad for a second-year man attempting his first pass in the NFL.
3.) Mr. INT strikes again
Pro tip: Don’t test Mr. INT. pic.twitter.com/SDseD6nx55
— Pats Pulpit (@patspulpit) November 16, 2020
Coming off an up-and-down performance against the New York Jets, J.C. Jackson bounced back nicely against Baltimore. His best play of the day came late in the first half, when he was able to get himself in perfect position to pick off a Lamar Jackson pass intended for Marquise Brown. The interception was Jackson’s sixth on the season, and fifth in a row — setting a new franchise record for consecutive games with at least one interception. He is certainly living up to his Mr. INT nickname.
4.) Damien Harris’ 25-yard scamper
Damien Harris just throwing defenders off him @DHx34 @Patriots
— The Checkdown (@thecheckdown) November 16, 2020
#BALvsNE on NBC pic.twitter.com/tIqkp6VHWd
Despite being listed as questionable heading into the weekend because of ankle and chest injuries, Damien Harris ran hard and successfully against one of the best run defenses in the NFL. All in all, he finished the game with 121 yards on 22 carries — including this 25-yard scamper that saw him accelerate through the hole, make a nice adjustment at the second level, break a tackle attempt, and keep his legs working through contact.
5.) QB1 finds the end zone
QB1 TD pic.twitter.com/jqcVkuPQXU
— Pats Pulpit (@patspulpit) November 16, 2020
Cam Newton played a good game against the number one scoring defense in the NFL, and he capped his performance with a 4-yard touchdown run in the early third quarter. The 31-year-old rolled to his right after the snap, and once he saw a hole around the edge was able to jump into the end zone for an easy six points. The score was Newton’s ninth on the ground this season — most among all NFL quarterbacks.
Now it’s your turn: What do you think was the biggest play from the Patriots’ win on Monday night?
Poll
Which play was the biggest from the Patriots’ win over the Ravens?
This poll is closed
-
0%
Newton to Burkhead
-
77%
Meyers to Burkhead
-
14%
J.C. Jackson’s interception
-
4%
Damien Harris’ 25-yard run
-
1%
Cam Newton’s touchdown
-
0%
Other (name in comments)