FOXBOROUGH — After the Patriots left Buffalo with a potentially season-saving win, let’s take a look at who’s up, who’s down, and whom to watch against the Raiders in Week 5 . . .
Three up
Quarterback Drake Maye: The performance wasn’t perfect, but Maye undoubtedly took a huge step forward on Sunday. He threw for three touchdowns, including the winner in the final minutes. The audible exhale Maye let out in his postgame news conference was telling, as he called the game “relieving.” Given how much Maye struggled through the first three weeks, his bounceback in a hostile road environment was impressive and much-needed. He still turned the ball over twice, on a fumble that exhibited poor decision-making and on an unlucky interception, but Maye did not let the mistakes snowball.
Wide receiver Efton Chism: Chism’s one-handed touchdown grab was, in the words of Romeo Doubs, the “snag of the year.” Chism’s teammates and coaches piled on the praise after the game, applauding him for his work ethic. Chism encapsulated the “next man up” mentality. After being inactive in Week 1, he played 10 snaps in Week 2, 16 in Week 3, and 34 on Sunday. Not only did he catch the winning touchdown pass, he also hauled in a crucial 19-yard reception earlier on that drive. He’s made the most of his limited reps. Coach Mike Vrabel indicated on Monday that it’s possible Chism’s role grows moving forward.
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Linebacker Robert Spillane: Spillane didn’t miss a snap and was all over the field on Sunday. With the Bills driving at the end of the first half, he helped punch the ball free from Khalil Shakir to force a fumble in Patriots territory. Spillane finished with a team-high seven tackles and also managed to log a pressure against Josh Allen. He played an important role in containing tight end Dalton Kincaid, too, with Vrabel highlighting his awareness.
Three down
Cornerback Charles Woods: With star cornerback Christian Gonzalez (shoulder) out, Woods earned significant run on the boundary opposite Carlton Davis. The results weren’t all that encouraging. Woods missed a tackle when D.J. Moore hurdled over him for a first down in the first quarter. He had another miscue in the second on Shakir’s 50-yard catch-and-run play. Then, in the fourth quarter, he was in coverage on Keon Coleman’s go-ahead touchdown. Woods tied with the Colts’ Sauce Gardner for the highest passer rating (158.3) allowed by a cornerback in Week 4, according to Pro Football Focus. The Patriots managed to weather Gonzalez’s absence, but they shouldn’t feel confident about how Woods played.
Left tackle Will Campbell: Sunday was the first dud for Campbell, who was off to a strong start. Campbell allowed a team-high six pressures, including a quarterback hit, according to PFF. He also committed two penalties, a costly hold on third down and a false start. Bills edge rushers Greg Rousseau and Bradley Chubb certainly got the better of Campbell on multiple occasions. It will be worth watching how Campbell fares on Sunday, with premier talent Maxx Crosby on deck.
Last Sunday's game against the Bills was Patriots left tackle Will Campbell's first dud of the season.
Last Sunday's game against the Bills was Patriots left tackle Will Campbell's first dud of the season.
Wide receiver Kyle Williams: After the Patriots traded Kayshon Boutte, the thought was that Williams, their first of two 2025 third-round picks, could earn more opportunities. After A.J. Brown suffered a high ankle sprain in the season opener, the thought gained more steam. But nothing changed for Williams. He maintained a minimal offensive role. Then, on Sunday, Mack Hollins left the game in the third quarter with a calf injury — and Williams still did not log a catch. Maye could not connect with him on his one target. The fact that Williams hasn’t been able to earn a larger role, despite seemingly multiple openings, is concerning.
Three to watch
Wide receiver Mack Hollins: Vrabel said on Monday that he wasn’t sure if Hollins would be able to practice “for a couple days.” With Brown sidelined for at least one more game, the Patriots may need to turn to the practice squad (Chandler Brayboy, Kyle Dixon, Cameron Dorner) or elsewhere to fill out their receiver depth.
Special teamer Brenden Schooler: After missing training camp and starting the season on the non-football injury list, Schooler returned to practice last week. The Patriots, who have two open roster spots, can activate him for Sunday.
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Right guard: The Patriots have tried Greg Van Roten, Walter Rouse, and Ben Brown to fill the void left by starter Mike Onwenu (ankle). With Van Roten (thigh) also on injured reserve, the team is down to Rouse and Brown. Neither has been impressive enough to earn the job outright, so perhaps the Patriots will consider newly signed Matt Pryor.