Patriots head coach Bill Belichick praised his team after Sunday's 27-21 victory over the Baltimore Ravens. "That was a good football game out there today," Belichick said according to the Boston Globe. "I'm really proud of our players, couldn’t be prouder of them. They stepped up, went toe to toe with a team that, offensively, already set some franchise records this early in the season."
Three games into the season it was evident the red zone offense was a major concern. After Sunday's game, things started to come around. The Patriots offense was able to convert on 3-of-5 red zone opportunities. G Logan Mankinssaid the team gave a lot of different looks on offense according to the* Boston Herald*. "We ran screens, draws, direct runs, short passes, long passes, we mixed it up good. And I think that's a good thing to do, especially against a team like the Ravens." The offense managed only 4 touchdowns in 13 previous possessions inside the 20.
After missing consecutive games due to a knee injury, WR Wes Welkerreturned to action Sunday by catching six passes for 48 yards. The *Boston Herald *reports Welker was anxious to get back on the field. "It felt good (to be back out there). It's been a pretty depressing two weeks leading up to this," Welker said. "Finally being able to get out there has been a good deal for me." Welker added he wasn't at his best but healthy enough to help the offense.
*ESPN Boston *gave three stars to Patriots players after Sunday's win. Click here to find out who's deserving of the honor.
WR Joey Gallowaywas a healthy scratch Sunday. Galloway has struggled during his tenure with the Patriots thus far and has frequently said his timing with QB Tom Brady is a work in progress. That being said, the *Providence Journal *reports, "With rookie Brandon Tate able to come off the reserve/non-football injury list in two weeks and Terrence Nunn on practice squad, Galloway's days in New England could be numbered."
The Hartford Courant reports on CB Darius Butler's performance Sunday against the Ravens. Learn the key plays he made to help preserve the win.
*The Sporting News *talks of how the Patriots are slowly turning the corner. Reason being? The defense is getting acclimated and QB Tom Brady's game shape is improving after last year's injury. Patriots LB Gary Guyton said after the game, "We're coming together."
