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Patriots-49ers Stock Watch: Special teams shine; o-line in shambles originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston
It’s never an encouraging sign when the standout performers on your team are the kicker and punter, but that’s been the case for the New England Patriots over the last two weeks.
The Patriots followed their Week 3 blowout loss to the New York Jets with a decisive 30-13 defeat in San Francisco. They amassed only 216 yards of offensive while turning the ball over three times, including a pick-six thrown by Jacoby Brissett. As a result, New England is 1-3 heading into its Week 5 meeting with the Miami Dolphins at Gillette Stadium.
What can the Patriots hang their hats on from Sunday’s loss to the 49ers, and who will look to bounce back next Sunday after a rough performance? Our Patriots Insiders Phil Perry and Tom E. Curran highlighted players who thrived (Stock Up) and players who fell short of expectations (Stock Down) in their latest “Stock Watch” segment.
Stock Up
Phil Perry: Joey Slye, kicker
Slye put the Patriots on the board at the end of the half with a franchise-record 63-yard field goal. He drilled a 54-yarder later in the day to finish 2-for-2, making him 8-for-9 through the first four weeks of the season. He was one of the few offensive bright spots for New England on Sunday.
Tom E. Curran: Christian Gonzalez, cornerback
Gonzalez’s stock is rising again after being placed in the “Stock Down” section last week. The Patriots’ prized young corner limited 49ers star wideout Brandon Aiyuk to just one catch for 10 yards.
Phil Perry: Bryce Baringer, punter
Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo identified special teams as the one phase in which his team excelled in Sunday’s loss. Baringer continued to shine with four punts – all inside the NIners’ 20-yard line — that averaged 49 yards with a long of 61.
Tom E. Curran: Ja’Lynn Polk, wide receiver
Polk’s numbers (three catches, 31 yards) don’t jump off the page, but beggars can’t be choosers with this anemic offense.
The…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/patriots-49ers-stock-watch-special-202255471.html
Author : NBC Sports Boston
Publish date : 2024-09-30 20:22:55
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