New England Patriots: Studs and duds in Week 2 vs. Seahawks

Stud: Cam Newton

Coming into the year, there were questions surrounding just how much Cam Newton had left in him and if he could get back to form while trying to get adjusted to being with a new team for the first time in his career. In Week 2, following a dominant Week 1 performance, Newton continued to look good under center.

Facing an annually tough defense on the other side of the field this weekend, Newton aired the ball out a little more than what we saw in the season opener, resulting in completing 30 of his 44 total pass attempts while throwing for a total of 397 yards, one touchdown and one interception in the game. On the ground, Newton continued to showcase his dual-threat abilities, finishing with 11 carries for 47 yards and two touchdowns.

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It’s a great sign that Newton is thriving early on in New England. And if he can continue to get comfortable in this offense, look out.

Dud: Pass defense

For a bulk of the 2019 season and for the most part in the Week 1 victory over the Miami Dolphins, the Patriots defense impressed and continued to look dominant once again early in the new year.

Although New England did do a respectable job against a potent offense in Seattle on Sunday night, including an early pick-six to start the game, the Patriots pass defense allowed the Seahawks to operate freely and run up the score mainly in the second half.

Seattle finished the game with a total of 288 passing yards in the win, led by Russell Wilson who completed 21 of 28 pass attempts along with five passing touchdowns through the air. As far as the Seahawks wide receivers, seven different players recorded a reception, led by DK Metcalf with four catches for 92 yards and one touchdown.

The Patriots defense has been solid, but the performance on defense and mainly the passing defense took a bit of a hit in Week 2.