The New England Patriots wasted no time making their presence felt in the matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars, scoring on their opening drive with efficiency and precision.
A combination of strong play-calling and execution allowed the Patriots to march down the field and find the end zone, setting the tone early in the game.
A bit Hasty! @Patriots score on their opening drive.
📺: #NEvsJAX on NFL Network
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/EwA4kDhIoK— NFL (@NFL) October 20, 2024
It was a perfectly balanced drive that showcased the Patriots’ offensive versatility. Starting from their own 25-yard line, New England mixed short, quick passes with effective running plays, keeping the Jaguars’ defense on their heels.
The Patriots’ running game, led by an explosive burst from the backfield, proved critical in maintaining the tempo of the drive, allowing quarterback Mac Jones to capitalize on play-action opportunities.
One of the drive’s standout moments came when the Patriots running back, in a hasty but powerful play, slashed through the Jaguars’ defensive front to pick up crucial yards, setting up the team’s first score.
The opening drive culminated in a well-executed red zone pass from Jones to his tight end, giving New England an early 7-0 lead.
The early score was a statement of intent from the Patriots, who have been looking to build momentum in the season. Head coach Bill Belichick and offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien clearly had the offense well-prepared, as they came out firing with a blend of power runs and precise passing to keep the Jaguars’ defense guessing.
The Patriots’ ability to strike early has always been a key part of their game plan, as it forces opponents to play catch-up and opens up the playbook for more creative play-calling.
With the team already showing signs of clicking on both ends of the ball, New England fans watching from home or on NFL Network had plenty to be excited about.
As the game progresses, the Patriots will look to maintain their momentum, using this early drive as a launching point for further success.
Jacksonville, on the other hand, will need to make quick adjustments to avoid falling behind, especially as New England’s defense will be eager to hold onto this lead.
With plenty of football left to play, both teams will need to stay focused and execute on both sides of the ball. But for now, it’s New England who has drawn first blood, starting the game in the best way possible.
Catch the rest of the action on NFL Network or stream live on NFL Plus as the Patriots look to build on their fast start.