The New England Patriots can now win in multiple ways

Even though the Patriots have been starting their third string quarterback, they have proven that they can win in multiple ways.  Many thought that the team would be in a bit of trouble after Mac Jones and Brian Hoyer went down.

When a team gets to their third string quarterback, there is little good that could possibly come from it.  However, the New England Patriots are completely flipping the script in their case.  Bailey Zappe hasn’t played like a third string quarterback and has given the Patriots a bit of new life as they slowly head towards their bye week.

How many ways can the Patriots win games?

The Patriots have one of the best defenses in the NFL, and no one really expected anything different.  They have had numerous elite defensive performances this season, including back to back weeks against the Lions and Browns.

The two opponents combined to score 15 points and only one touchdown in eight quarters.  New England has been able to get elite pass rush, and their young secondary has stepped up.  The last two weeks have also shown that the team can win games through the air as well.  This was the biggest concern for the team when Mac Jones went down, but Zappe has thrown four touchdown passes on one interception in his three appearances so far.

The team is now averaging 23.5 points per game on offense and allowing just 18.8 points on defense.  The offense has come to life, both through the air and on the ground.  Rhamondre Stevenson has rushed for 237 yards in the last two games, and Zappe has thrown for nearly 500 yards in the same timeframe.

Perhaps we’re watching a key turning point for the Patriots this season.  Their offense has averaged nearly 30 points in the last four games and the defense has remained strong.  Don’t look now, but the New England Patriots might be making some noise in what has turned into a very crowded AFC.