Week 5 Preview - Patriots Edition

By William Ferrán

GAINESVILLE, VA - After four weeks of NFL action, only three teams remain undefeated; the San Francisco 49ers, (3-0), the Kansas City Chiefs, (4-0), and the New England Patriots, (4-0). Led by 42 year old quarterback Tom Brady and backed up by one of the best defenses in the league, the Patriots remained undefeated in the month of September for the fifth time under head coach Bill Belichick, and the first time since 2015. 

After beating the 1-3 Pittsburgh Steelers, the 0-4 Miami Dolphins, and the 0-3 New York Jets, the Patriots first strong opponent came in the form of the 3-0 Buffalo Bills; a division rival that sports a defense that has not allowed more than 17 points per game. And in the week 4 game at New Era Field, the Patriots were no different. This very feisty Bills defense, backed up by a very raucous home crowd, held the Patriots stagnant offense to 16 points. Also effective in controlling Brady’s time on the field, the Bills defense allowed only but 150 passing yards with no touchdowns and one interception; first one of the year for Brady. 

Nonetheless, the Patriots defense demonstrated why they are one of the best units in the league, holding the Bills offense to three points in the first half and allowing only one touchdown in the third quarter. They also forced a season high four turnovers, and were particularly strong on third down, only allowing Buffalo to convert on two of their 13 attempts. While the defense battled through a tough game, and the offense was not clicking at all, it was the special teams unit blocked punt turned touchdown that was the key in establishing the Patriots game lead, and eventual win, with a final score of 16-10. 

Entering into week 5, the Patriots will have new faces in the locker room, adding 38 year old tight end Ben Watson, who will make his debut as a Patriot after completing a testosterone-related four week suspension. We will also see 37 year old veteran kicker Mike Nugent, who will be replacing kicker Stephen Gostkowski due to a season-ending hip injury. Nugent was the most experience kicker out of seven the Patriots worked out this week, having played in five playoff games, and sporting 253-of-311 on field goal attempts in his career. 

Up next, the Patriots are on to our Nation’s Capital to face the 0-4 Washington Redskins in search of their fifth straight win. With a shaky quarterback situation in Washington, look for the Patriots defense to continue in their dominant ways. As for the offense, the addition of tight end Ben Watson could potentially bring back the spark they showed in the first three weeks of the season. The game is schedule for this Sunday October 6th, 1:00PM EDT.