Patriots Week 17: Team is Playoff Bound as they Blowout Jags

The Patriots were coming off an ugly loss in Week 16 to the Buffalo Bills, it was their second straight loss. The team was looking to head into the New Year ready to turn things around for a playoff push.

That, they did… The Patriots stomped Jacksonville 50-10.

For the Patriots in Week 17, they got to face a very bad team in the Jacksonville Jaguars. A game where the Patriots saw a complete team effort from both sides of the ball.

So, with that said, let’s break down the Patriots Week 17 win.

The Offense Looked Pinpoint in Demolition of Jaguars…

The Patriot’s offense put on an absolute clinic in Week 17, as they should have against a depleted and beat-up Jaguars defense.

Passing-wise, Mac Jones looked much better compared to past weeks, as the rookie racked up, 227 yards, and 3 touchdowns, on 22 for 30 throwing before he was benched due to blowout.

Kendrick Bourne led the team with 76 yards, right behind him was Jakobi Meyers with 73 yards on 8 catches… Kristian Wilkerson (who was a practice squad call-up, and started over N’Keal Harry) caught 2 touchdowns for 42 yards, on 4 catches.

On the rushing side of things, the two-headed monster of, Stevenson and Harris were dominant once again.

Rhamondre Stevenson had a big game himself, having 19 carries, for 107 yards and two touchdowns.

Damien Harris ended his day with 35 yards and two touchdowns. That gives Harris, 14 touchdowns on the season. Tied for 2nd most in Patriots History.

All in all, a fantastic day for what has been a struggling offense, the offense got what they needed to do, done.

So, how did the defense look?

The Defense Turned it Up a Notch in Week 17…

Matt Judon and Ju’Whuan Bentley were activated off of the COVID list on Saturday. Judon did not see the field, for precautionary reasons.

The defense, in fact, did not need Judon as they dominated a depleted Jaguars offense.

The team forced three Trevor Lawrence interceptions. One by Myles Bryant, another by JC Jackson, and the third by Kyle Dugger.

The defense also ended with two sacks, one by Dont’a Hightower, and the other by the rookie, Christian Barmore.

The defense had a much-needed bounce-back performance after a poor showing in Week 16.

Wrapping Up a Big Week 17 Win…

Yes, I said it was a BIG win. It was a big win because of that, and the Dolphin’s loss to the Titans officially locks New England into the playoffs for the first time in two years.

What a wild ride it has been to get to Week 17 for the Patriots. They now sit at 10-6 on the season with a rookie QB at the helm. This has been one of the more impressive rebuilds I have seen.

The Job is not done yet though, still a lot to play for heading into the final week of the season, as the AFC East is still up for grabs. The team will look to seek revenge from their Week 1 loss to rival Miami Dolphins, this time they will be in Miami. The Patriots will need to bring their A-Game as Miami in December/January has not been kind to them in the past.

A Little Extra Wrap Up…

The game showed a possible new piece to the Patriots offense in Kristian Wilkerson. The WR, who was called up from the practice squad prior to the game replaced N’Keal Harry who was a healthy scratch. The youngster dominated for two touchdowns and showed good chemistry with QB, Mac Jones.

The game should all but cement any chances N’Keal Harry had to grab a role as a pass-catcher before the playoffs.

Wilkerson should see a promotion in the next week, and possibly more playing time as they get set to head to Miami.

The Patriots will head to Miami to take on the Dolphins in Week 18.

Photo Courtesy: Adam Glanzman/Getty Images

-Jeff Hoak (@jeffhoak1)

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