Mac Jones victim of the rude awakening of the Cowboys defense… and Bill Belichick.
Dallas Cowboys (3-1) – New England Patriots (1-3): 38-3
End of the first period, Bill Belichick’s closed eyes say it all. Mac Jones (12/21, 157 yards, 2 INTS, 1 lost fumble) has just thrown an interception returned for a touchdown. At that moment, the Cowboys had just stunned the match, and took a 25-point lead (28-3). A symbol because when the Patriots quarterback was put under pressure, he made a series of bad decisions. The Patriots’ attack came up against the violent awakening of the Cowboys’ defense, symbolized by linebacker DaRon Bland (3 passes defended, 2 INTs, 1 TD).
The best offense is defense
3-3. Then, for the Patriots, loss of ball on 4th attempt, fumble, punt, interception, punt. All of their turnovers were returned for touchdowns. DaRon Bland therefore, but also Leighton Vander Esch, who recovered the fumble following a sack by Dante Fowler Jr.
Opposite, the Cowboys attack does the job without more, with a touchdown from Dak Prescott (28/34, 261 yards, 1 TD) effective for CeeDee Lamb (4 REC, 36 yards, 1 TD). Dallas even allows a 2-point conversion on a pass from punter Anger to defender Golston.
Mac Jones on the bench, Matt Judon injured
After another interception and another aborted series, Bill Belichick made the decision to put Mac Jones on the bench during the 3rd quarter. He is replaced by Bailey Zappe (4/9, 57 yards). As bad news never comes alone, their best pass rusher Matt Judon would have injured his elbow.
A nightmare match for the Patriots. Nightmare extended by fullback Hunter Luepke’s first NFL career touchdown, in addition to a missed field goal. To make matters worse for the Patriots, the ground game was also poor, with only 53 yards. For his return, Ezekiel Eliott was discreet with only 22 yards.
The following
Next week, the Cowboys will have quality opposition in the San Francisco 49ers, still undefeated, on the night of Sunday to Monday. As for the Patriots, they will try to recover against the Saints. With Mac Jones as starting quarterback?
DaRon Bland pick-six! 2nd defensive TD of the half for the @DallasCowboys 🤠
📺: #NEvsDAL on FOX⁰📱: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/Jq9JHUeqb6 pic.twitter.com/W6WY0IXjZJ
— NFL (@NFL) October 1, 2023
