Before you come out with the pitchforks, let’s be honest, there is no real standout star for the New England Patriots in Sunday’s 38-3 blowout loss to the Dallas Cowboys.
The Patriots had one of the worst games in the last 25 years, and things are not looking good for the team. Actually, things are so bad right now that it might be time for the team to consider serious changes for the future.
With that said, there were still enough positives for us to come away with some standout stars of the week. Let’s take a look at the players that had a positive impact in the gloomy defeat.
First Star: Chad Ryland
Chad Ryland was by no means perfect, but he was the only Patriot to add points and handle kick-off duties.
This week’s struggles stretched to everyone on the roster, as Ryland’s lone field goal was all the way on the first drive of the game. Things quickly got out of hand, and the Patriots struggled to move the ball, resulting in a 38-3 blowout.
If the offense continues to struggle, Ryland’s leg might become a routine weapon for the team down the stretch.
Second Star: Kyle Dugger
Kyle Dugger was the lone bright spot on the defense this week with injuries to Christian Gonzalez and Matthew Judon. Dugger finished this week’s contest with 15 total tackles, which was a game high.
Dugger and the Patriots defense were not terrible, but the Patriots offense once again shot themselves in the foot with three turnovers—two of which immediately went for 14 points, while the third set the Cowboys up for another easy touchdown.
Taking away the turnovers, the Patriots defense only allowed 17 offensive points, which was a welcoming sign that the unit was on the verge of continuing its dominant stretch.
With the offense not clicking and multiple instances showing a lack of discipline on that side of the ball, this defense clearly deserves better.
Third Star: Demario Douglas
Demario Douglas flashed his separation and playmaking ability, but the Patriots weren’t able to get much more out of him to help stop the bleeding. Douglas is clearly the team’s best receiver at consistently creating separation, and he has flashed the most explosiveness on the field.
If fans were calling for jobs to be lost for how the Patriots underutilized Kendrick Bourne last season, calls for criminal offenses could be had with how they’re mismanaging Douglas right now.
Seeing more “Pop” Douglas isn’t too much to ask considering he offers something to the team no other receiver currently brings.
