Likes and dislikes from Patriots Week 3 win over the Texans

Like: Coverage team on kick returns

If I told you that Brissett would throw for 103 yards and the Patriots would prevail in this game by a score of 27-0, you wouldn’t believe me for a second. But that is exactly what happened, and here’s why: the special teams unit on kick return coverage.

The Patriots forced not one, but two fumbles and recoveries on special teams in Week 3.

First, it was Charles James who coughed up the ball after Brandon Bolden knocked the ball loose and Duron Harmon recovered the fumble.

Putting Tyler Ervin in the game didn’t change anything, as Ervin fumbled after a Nate Ebner crashed into him and Jordan Richards took advantage of the loose ball.

As you would expect, Josh McDaniels didn’t let his unit squander the opportunity. Much of the Patriots’ 27-point shutout victory can be chalked-up to outstanding coverage on kick returns by the special teams.

The “do your job” moniker is not just some cutesy marketing tactic by the Patriots. It is very much a real thing, as the Patriots reaped the rewards of the special teams buying into their roles and excelling in their duties in Week 3.

Next: Like: Jacoby Brissett