New England Patriots: Studs and duds from brutal Week 7 loss to 49ers
Stud: Forcing turnovers
One thing New England was able to do in the game against San Francisco was turn the 49ers over and try and create some opportunities for the Patriots offense to get things going to battle back into the game.
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In the contest, New England was able to force San Francisco into two turnovers, both of which were interceptions by 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo. Devin McCourty recorded the first turnover of the game for the Patriots defense, it being an interception in the first half that was returned for 19 yards. In the second half, J.C. Jackson tallied the second interception for New England’s defense.
The Patriots defense tried to keep the team in the game on Sunday, but the offense wasn’t able to help things en route to the loss.
Dud: Passing game
Cam Newton continued to struggle through the air throughout the game against a San Francisco defense that has been pretty solid against the pass so far this season. In the game, Newton finished with nine completions on 15 attempts, throwing for just 98 yards, no touchdowns and three interceptions. In the opening half, Newton finished with just four completions for 30 yards and two interceptions, which set the tone for the rest of the game.
Newton was replaced under center by Jarrett Stidham in the fourth quarter, with Stidham finishing the game with six completions on 10 attempts for 64 yards and one interception.
If the Patriots want to establish a passing game to balance out the offense and open things up for the run game, they need to add some pieces to this team to help Newton air the ball out. Right now, New England just doesn’t have enough firepower in the passing game.