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Bailey Zappe, Patriots defense, roll over Lions in week five

By Lou Scataglia

Oct 2, 2022; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; New England Patriots running back Damien Harris (37) celebrates with quarterback Bailey Zappe (4) after scoring a touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 2, 2022; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; New England Patriots running back Damien Harris (37) celebrates with quarterback Bailey Zappe (4) after scoring a touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports /
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The New England Patriots absolutely trounced the Detroit Lions 29-0 today in Foxborough.  It was a total clinic on both sides of the ball, and any shine the Lions had from their alleged top ranked scoring offense was totally erased by a Patriots’ defense.

The Patriots’ offense, which was the big story coming into the game, was efficient.  Bailey Zappe went 17/21 for 188 yards, one touchdown and one interception that bounced off of the hands of Nelson Agolor and into the hands of a Lions’ defender.  The interception was not his fault.

Jakobi Meyers had a stellar day, catching seven passes for 111 yards and a score.  Tyquan Thornton, making his NFL debut, caught two passes for seven yards.  Hunter Henry had a nice day as well, catching four passes for 54 yards.

Matthew Judon had two sacks and the entire Patriots’ front was making life absolutely miserable for Jared Goff, who looked more like the Jared Goff that got him chased out of Los Angeles.  Goff had a Goff-ful day passing, throwing for 229 yards and an interception.

It was by no means a perfect game, but it was clear dominant from the New England Patriots.  I think one of the biggest advantages this game was going to provide for the Patriots was the coaching advantage the team had.  Dan Campbell’s Lions will now drop to 1-4 on the season, and it’s clear that Campbell has some holes in his coaching philosophy.

While it was a dominant effort, especially for Rhamondre Stevenson, who rushed for over 150 yards, the main story should be how well Bailey Zappe played.  For all of the hate that Joe Judge and Matt Patricia got all offseason, they surely were able to get Zappe ready to go for this one.

Whatever they did for their preparation was flawless.  Zappe showed poise in the pocket.  He also was able use his legs to his advantage and simply did not look like a rookie quarterback.  The Patriots’ 29 point total is the highest mark of the season.

Nick Folk continues to be automatic, hitting all five of his field goal attempts.  In all three phases, the New England Patriots beat the absolute snot out of the Detroit Lions to improve to 2-3 on the season, all while giving them small glimmers of hope to dig out of this record.

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