FOXBORO — Every quarterback wants a go-to-guy, however particularly a rookie third-string quarterback who’s attempting to outlive his first NFL begin.
Bailey Zappe didn’t have Jakobi Meyers in Green Bay, however welcomed having him as his slot receiver Sunday in opposition to Detroit.
Whether it’s Mac Jones, Brian Hoyer, or Zappe beneath heart, Meyers’ presence is so essential to the offense, as evidenced by his game-high seven receptions for 111 yards and a landing within the 29-0 win over the Lions.
Meyers had been out the final two video games nursing a knee harm, and he was sorely missed. The Patriots misplaced each of these video games (Baltimore, Green Bay) and his absence was noticeable. Just for Zappe to have Meyers as a reliable outlet was a godsend.
“It’s nice to have Kobs back out there. He has been in the league for a few years, so to have that veteran mentality back in the group is amazing,” stated Zappe. “We know we have an all-around really good receiving group. Really the only job for us quarterbacks is to get those guys the ball and let them do what they do.”
What Meyers does is constantly get open. He strikes the chains when mandatory, or just makes massive performs on the key junctures.
Even with Rhamondre Stevenson operating roughshod over the Lions protection, the Patriots had been having bother placing the ball in the long run zone.
Aside from a fumble return for a rating from Kyle Dugger, and Nick Folk kicking a number of discipline objectives, the offense had hit a wall in Lions territory.
With a 19-0 lead within the third quarter, the Patriots obtained some respectable respiratory house with Zappe connecting with Meyers for a 24-yard rating.
It got here off play-action. It was just like the play final week in opposition to Green Bay the place Zappe discovered a large open DeVante Parker on the fitting facet. Meyers stated he’d by no means been so extensive open catching a landing go.
“My touchdowns are usually harder-fought,” Meyers stated with a smile. “But I’ll take it. I’ll take it as they come. I’m not complaining.”
For his half, Meyers stated his knee was feeling good and was simply glad to be again. Watching video games was getting a little bit tiresome.
“It was great (to be back). It’s a little boring watching on TV and watching on the sideline,” he stated. “Just being out there, being able to do what I love again. I really enjoyed it … I felt like I was smiling the whole game. I felt like a kid again being out there. That was a special feeling. We got the win, which is most important.”
Meyers stated with Zappe being in a “next-man up” conditions, beginning with each Jones and Hoyer on the shelf, the gamers need to do “the best we can for him.”
In that vein, together with catching the soccer, Meyers is likely one of the higher blocking extensive receivers within the sport.
With the Patriots dashing for 176 – 161 of these belonging to Stevenson – the receivers needed to do their share of blocking.
“Jakobi does a lot of great stuff for us. Not just catching the football. I have a lot of respect for how Jakobi blocks,” stated heart David Andrews. “He does loads for our offense and is a reliable man. He’s somebody, as an offensive lineman, you understand while you want somebody to dam, he’s going to go on the market and stick his face within the fireplace a little bit bit.
“I really respect that. Jakobi is another undrafted guy, so he’ll always have a special place in my heart.”
Source: www.bostonherald.com