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6 Takeaways From New England Patriots’ Week 16 Win

6 Takeaways From New England Patriots’ Week 16 Win

New England Patriots New York Jets Week 16
Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

It wasn’t easy, but the New England Patriots squeaked by their green rivals on Sunday afternoon. The Pats may rule the AFC East, but no divisional game comes easy; the Patriots were fortunate to have come out on top in this one. Here are some thoughts on the Pats’ Week 16 victory:

6. Strong Front Sevens Continue To Make Tom Brady Mortal

Sheldon Richardson New York Jets
Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports

6. Strong Front Sevens Continue To Make Tom Brady Mortal

Sheldon Richardson New York Jets
Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports

The Jets’ active linebackers and whirling blitzes perplexed the offensive line all day. This was evident when Tom Brady was forced to awkwardly escape traffic or throw off-balance. Geno Smith actually outgunned Brady by 28 yards, indicating that the future Hall of Famer can be grounded by fierce front sevens (cough, Seattle).

5. Patriots Can Grind Out Stalemates

Tom Brady New England Patriots
Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

5. Patriots Can Grind Out Stalemates

Tom Brady New England Patriots
Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

It’s always a good sign when a team wins in varying styles, especially in December. The Patriots will need to be malleable winners if they are going to finish this season with a victory in February, so it was good to see them work through some adversity.

4. Danny Amendola Can Handle A Larger Role

Danny Amendola New England Patriots
Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

4. Danny Amendola Can Handle A Larger Role

Danny Amendola New England Patriots
Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Often overlooked in the Patriots’ offense is Danny Amendola, but he earned brownie points by filling in nicely for the concussed Julian Edelman in the form of eight receptions for 63 yards and an average of 21 yards on three punt returns. If Edelman, Rob Gronkowski or Brandon LaFell gets injured, Amendola will be ready to take on more touches.

3. Secondary Misses Kyle Arrington

Jeremy Kerley New York Jets
Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports

3. Secondary Misses Kyle Arrington

Jeremy Kerley New York Jets
Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports

Without Arrington on the field, the Patriots’ secondary had trouble patrolling the slot. Logan Ryan may be a solid corner on the outside, but Arrington is a much better slot corner, and that showed on Sunday. The Patriots will need him in January.

2. Patriots’ Special Teams Is Winning Games

Matthew Slater New England Patriots
Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

2. Patriots’ Special Teams Is Winning Games

Matthew Slater New England Patriots
Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

Another week, another field goal deflection. Vince Wilfork’s pinky did the same thing that Jamie Collins’ hand did last week by swinging the momentum in the Patriots’ direction while also preventing a hat trick of points early in the game. In a close, tense playoff game, all it might take is a play from Matthew Slater, or another special teamer, to lift the Patriots to victory.

1. Jamie Collins Continues To Impress

Jamie Collins New England Patriots
Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports

1. Jamie Collins Continues To Impress

Jamie Collins New England Patriots
Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports

There is no doubt that Jamie Collins is one of the most valuable players on the Patriots’ defense, worthy of being uttered in the same sentence as Darrelle Revis, Devin McCourty and Vince Wilfork. On Sunday afternoon, Collins led the Patriots in tackles and also picked off a pass. Don’t be surprised if Collins is contending for Defensive Player of the Year next season.

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