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The New England Patriots ended their season in positive fashion, beating the New York Jets 28-14 to improve their record to 7-9 on the season. Along the way, they played one of their most complete games of the season, making big plays in all three phases. Of course, however, some were bigger than the others — which brings us to our final “Play of the Game” vote of the yea.
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.) Cam Newton’s 49-yard run
Cam Newton RUMBLING downfield @CameronNewton @Patriots
— The Checkdown (@thecheckdown) January 3, 2021
#NYJvsNE on CBS pic.twitter.com/WRkqthstcl
The Patriots kick-started the game in impressive fashion by scoring on their first drive of the day. The biggest game of the series came in the form of a Cam Newton run — the longest quarterback run in franchise history: Newton burst through the hole for a 49-yard gain. The play was the first of many positive ones by the former league MVP in what might have been his final game in New England.
2.) Jakobi Meyers to Cam Newton
JaQB Meyers. pic.twitter.com/b7nHPTFL5R
— Pats Pulpit (@patspulpit) January 3, 2021
Jakobi Meyers may not have a receiving touchdown on his NFL résumé, but the second-year wide receiver has now thrown not one but two scoring passes this season. After connecting with Rex Burkhead against the Baltimore Ravens, he now hit Cam Newton from 19 yards out. The former college quarterback placed the ball perfectly, tying the game at 14-14 in the process.
3.) Mr. INT with the pick
Mr. INT gets Darnold. pic.twitter.com/Fw2APMwAd9
— Pats Pulpit (@patspulpit) January 3, 2021
Coming off a disappointing game against the Buffalo Bills, J.C. Jackson did look better versus the Jets. While he appeared to be responsible for a long reception on New York’s first drive of the second half, he later bounced back nicely by picking off quarterback Sam Darnold in the late third quarter — Jackson’s ninth pick of the year — and returning the interception 17 yards to the New York side of the field.
4.) Devin Asiasi’s first career touchdown
Asiasi’s first career TD! #Patriots pic.twitter.com/3IgT22g2kL
— Brian Hines (@iambrianhines) January 3, 2021
On a day of firsts for the Patriots, Devin Asiasi also joined the party. The rookie quarterback did not only register the first reception of his career, he also hauled in a 26-yard touchdown pass from Newton in the early fourth quarter after Jackson’s interception. The play was an impressive one by all involved: the quarterback placed the ball well, with Asiasi beating the defender in coverage to haul in the pass for a score.
5.) Sony Michel, receiving back
Sony‘s first receiving touchdown! pic.twitter.com/djmALuUMAP
— Pats Pulpit (@patspulpit) January 3, 2021
Sony Michel was a capable receiving back in college, but the former first-round draft pick has not yet shown the same passing game abilities at the NFL level. On Sunday, however, the Georgia product had the best receiving day of his career: Michel hauled in three passes for a combined 60 yards, with no play bigger than his fourth quarter receiving touchdown. He caught a short pass to the flat and was able to outrun the entire New York defense for a 31-yard score.
Now it’s your turn: What do you think was the biggest play from the Patriots’ win on Sunday?
Poll
Which play was the biggest from the Patriots’ win over the Bills?
This poll is closed
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7%
Newton’s 49-yard run
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52%
Meyers to Newton
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8%
J.C. Jackson interception
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17%
Devin Asiasi’s TD
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13%
Sony Michel’s TD