Here is who caught our eye, for better or worse, in the Patriots’ win on Sunday.

The New England Patriots got back in the win column in Week 8 with a 25-22 victory over the New York Jets to improve to 2-6 on the year.

Here is who caught our eye for better or worse upon live viewing.

Winners

QBs Jacoby Brissett and Drake Maye: New England’s rookie quarterback continued to impress in three drives of work before leaving with a concussion. Maye’s biggest impact came with his legs as he beat New York as a scrambler totaling 46 yards on three carries — including a 17-yard touchdown run. As a passer, Maye completed just 3-of-6 passes for 23 yards, but had an impressive throws — including one out of structure deep shot — dropped by two receiver.

Take it yourself @DrakeMaye2 👏

📺: CBS pic.twitter.com/lDKGOnPLKj

— New England Patriots (@Patriots) October 27, 2024

As for Brissett, kudos to the veteran for coming in and leading New England to a victory. While it was a slow start with some repeat errors from early in the season, Brissett had one of the best throws of the day to Kayshon Boutte downfield to help set up the go-ahead score.

TE Hunter Henry: One pass catcher who was his reliable self was tight end Hunter Henry. On National Tight Ends day, Henry posted 45 yards on a team-high five receptions. That included a 12-yard completion on 3rd-and-11 on New England’s final field goal drive before kick starting the game winning drive with another 12-yard catch.

CB Christian Gonzalez: Gonzalez had the Davante Adams matchup and won it easily. New England’s top cornerback aligned across from Adams on 23 of 29 routes and allowed just one catch for 16 yards, according to Next Gen Stats. That lone catch came on the final play of the game. Gonzalez also had an impressive PBU on a slant near the goal line to help force a field goal.

PR Marcus Jones: Jones’ work as a punt returner sparked New England’s offense after the quarterback change. With Brissett behind center, it felt like the Patriots needed one big play from their defense or special teams. Jones gave it to them with a 62-yard punt return in the third quarter to help set up a touchdown.

Losers

CB Marcus Jones: It was an all-around eventful day for Jones, though, who assumed the No. 2 role at cornerback. Playing opposite of Christian Gonzalez, who drew the Davante Adams matchup, Jones saw plenty of Garrett Wilson throughout the day. Wilson finished with a game-high 113 yards on five catches — all of it coming against Jones.

Wide receivers: As we mentioned, New England’s pass catchers had a tough time catching the football on Sunday. Tyquan Thornton and Kayshon Boutte dropped the aforementioned passes from Maye, while Boutte then had another ball (slightly behind him) that should have been caught hit the turf. Kendrick Bourne also had a pair of close passes hit the turf.

“I got to play better. I hated that game. I just played so bad,” Bourne said post game. “I’ve got to make more plays, and as a group, we’ve got to just focus in.”

Credit to Boutte and Thornton for converting key third downs on the final two scoring drives, but New England needs more from this group.

Honorable mentions

• New England’s ground game continued to struggle as a whole as their backs managed just 54 yards on 25 carries. Rhamondre Stevenson, however, found the end zone twice — which included the game-winner (where he then added a two-point conversion).
• The pass protection seemed to take another step forward. It marked the first time New England started the same five from a previous game this season (wk. 6) and the group left the game healthy — which should continue to lead to increased continuity.
• Credit to defensive coordinator DeMarcus Covington for shaking things up Sunday. Covington opted for more single-high structures and cover zero looks against Rodgers, which helped New England’s defense get off the field at key times.
• New England’s run defense was also better despite New York totaling 1128 yards on 28 carries (4.0 YPA). Davon Godchaux noted the unit got back to the basics which seemed to help them take a step in the right direction.
• Beyond Jones’ punt return, the Patriots allowed Xavier Gipson to take the first punt 40 yards the other way. Second straight week with an explosive return against.