FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) — Derek Meyer has been the most accurate starting quarterback in the NFL this season.
He was also adept at dismissing any praise heaped upon him during the Patriots’ first AFC East title since 2019.
advertise
But after playing an integral role in leading New England to a 38-10 victory over Miami in one of the best single-season comebacks in league history, the second-year quarterback may soon have a label that’s hard to shake off: being voted NFL MVP.
“He’s been everything we’ve asked of him, and he continues to get better. He’s not satisfied,” Patriots coach Mike Vrabel said. “So, I know the success we had today had a lot to do with Derek Meyer.”
Meyer finished the regular season with a 72.0 completion percentage, the highest in franchise history and the sixth-best in NFL history. He passed Tom Brady, who had a completion percentage of 68.9 in 2007. It was also the last time a Patriots quarterback led the NFL in completion percentage.
That season’s MVP? Brady.
advertise
While Meyer cited the team’s 14 wins and 8-0 road record as accomplishments he’s proud of this season, he also cited the ability to get multiple players involved in the offense. While coaching and schemes do play a role, a lot of it comes down to the performance of the quarterback.
“I think that’s one of the hardest things about protecting us,” Meyer said. “So that’s probably the thing I’m most proud of.”
Meyer also inspired the teammates around him.
Even before he signed with the Patriots this offseason, wide receiver Stefon Diggs noticed something from afar.
“I just know they have a good young quarterback. You can’t say he has a promising future, but it certainly looks like that,” Diggs said. “We played them last year when I was in Houston, and I was like, ‘There’s something in that kid.'” You never know when they’re going to be super young. “
advertise
Meyer, 23, is expected to become the youngest league MVP since 22-year-old Lamar Jackson won the title in the 2019 season.
“I told everyone who spoke in the locker room, ‘It’s us. It’s not just me, it’s us in the locker room.'” I think this is really a team deal. They say ‘players,’ but I think winning helps,” Meyer said. “Obviously, a lot of guys in the league are having some great seasons, and it’s an honor. But at the same time, we still have a lot of work to do. “
what’s working
The Patriots proved they can run the football this season. They are third in the AFC, averaging 128.9 yards per game. Among AFC playoff teams, it ranks second behind Buffalo (159.6).
advertise
More importantly, the Patriots enter the playoffs with two productive options in running back Lamond Stevenson and rookie Tre’Vion Henderson. Stevenson missed three games with a toe injury but finished with seven rushes and two receiving touchdowns. It was the fourth time in five seasons that he had at least five rushing touchdowns.
Henderson ranks fifth in the AFC in carries, averaging 5.1 yards per carry and scoring nine touchdowns. He had four touchdown runs of over 50 yards, highlighting his ability to impact a game at any time.
What help do you need?
New England’s defense started strong but struggled in the second quarter, as the Dolphins scored 10 points to make it 17-10 at halftime, which Vrabel called a “lull.” The good news is that an interception by the defense ended the Dolphins’ opening drive of the second half and forced five consecutive punts to end the game.
advertise
Stock up
At the end of the third quarter, Diggs caught 34 yards and surpassed 1,000 yards for the seventh time in his career (1,013 yards). This is the first 1,000-yard season for a Patriots receiver since 2019, when Julian Edelman had 1,117 receiving yards.
Inventory decline
Special teams. Late in the second quarter, Andy Borregales’ 38-yard field goal attempt was blocked by Dolphins defensive tackle Zach Sieler. Miami’s Riley Patterson’s 52-yard field goal brought the Dolphins within 14-10.
Injuried
Linebacker Harold Landry III (knee) missed his second straight game. … LB Robert Spillane (ankle) has missed the past four games. … LG Jared Wilson (concussion treatment) missed his second straight game. … DL Khyiris Tonga also sat, continuing to deal with foot issues.
advertise
key number
3 – Vrabel joins George Seifert (1989 with San Francisco) and Jim Caldwell (2009 with Indianapolis) as the only two coaches to win 14 games in their first season. Seifert’s 49ers defeated the Denver Broncos in the Super Bowl that season. Caldwell’s Colts lost to New Orleans in the Super Bowl.
Next steps
The Patriots host the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday night in the wild-card round. This will be New England’s first home playoff game since losing 20-13 to the Vrabel-coached Tennessee Titans in the wild-card round of the 2019 season.
___
AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL