Win a Patriots jersey, Vote for the Road to MetLife Stadium Patriots MVP - Week 6
As the Patriots begin their quest to MetLife Stadium for the Super Bowl, we've decided to chronicle that journey by highlighting the heroes from each game.
The Patriots game against the Saints was maybe one of the best games the team has played this year. Of course, we could've felt much different about things if it weren't for a clutch Tom Brady to Kenbrell Thompkins touchdown pass with just five seconds remaining. While everyone will remember that final play, there were so many more plays and players that contributed to this gutsy and thrilling win. It'll certainly be hard to crown one hero from this one.
Luckily for us, the burden of that decision falls to you.
All year long, we'll be running a contest to celebrate the Road to MetLife stadium, asking you guys to weigh in on who the MVP of each game is. As a reward, the jersey of the Patriots player to earn the most votes the entire year will be given away to a random person that weighed in on our weekly polls.
Here's how it works.
Each week, you will vote in the poll below for who you think deserves to win MVP for that week's game. Each vote earns you 1 entry into this raffle. That means if you vote every single week, you'll have a total of 16 entries. You can earn additional entries by liking us on facebook, following us on twitter, and tweeting about the contest. Please see below for easy access to doing all of that!
Contest
Prize: One jersey of the player that receives the most votes for MVP throughout the year.
How to Enter:
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Winner: A winner will be randomly selected on New Year's Day - January 1st, 2014. The winner will be chosen from a pool of entries collected from every poll posted throughout the season. The more weeks you vote for the MVP, the more chances you have to win.
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So, now the question remains. Who was the Patriots MVP in their win over the previously undefeated Saints?
Since so much focus will be on that last play, let's start with the offense. There were quite a few players that helped the Patriots come out on top. Tom Brady tops the list. While he definitely played poorly enough in the second half to have Patriots fans wondering if his best days were behind him, going 4 and out and then throwing a deep interception on a questionable decision late in this one. However, the Saints gave Brady the ball for a third and final time, and Brady proved that he's still got it.
He still doesn't end the game with the kind of stats we're used to seeing from Brady these days, but that final drive makes up for all of it.
Of course, Kenbrell Thompkins was the other piece to that final play, catching the touchdown pass from Brady. It was only Thompkins' third catch of the day but it was a huge one. Is that one play enough to earn Thompkins the honor?
Let's also not forget about the other offensive players. Stevan Ridley had his best game of the year, rushing for 96 yards and two touchdowns. If not for the final clutch drive, Ridley might've been the hands-down offensive MVP. Also, Austin Collie deserves some recognition for coming off the bench and picking up two huge conversions on the final drive to set up the Thompkins touchdown.
It's not all on the offense either. The defense played a phenomenal game once again, which is so impressive coming against a high powered offense like the New Orleans Saints. With Aqib Talib largely in coverage, Jimmy Graham who came in on a streak of 100 yard games, was held without even a catch. Jerod Mayo also led the team with four tackles. Unfortunately both left with injuries.
Good thing Kyle Arrington was there to pick up the slack, defending two passes and picking off another to set the Patriots up at the Saints 20. Alfonzo Dennard was victimized by Kenny Stills for a key touchdown on a third and 20, but many might forget his huge third down pass break up of Brees to Colston the next time the Saints held the ball. Chandler Jones also chipped in with a sack, two tackles for a loss and 2 quarterback hits.
Finally, don't forget about Stephen Gostowski's leg which kept the game so close, he was 3/3 including a 54 yarder.
It should be an exciting year as the league journeys towards MetLife Stadium in February. We're looking forward to some victories and more Patriots MVPs! Make sure to vote today!
MVPs so far:
Week 1: Danny Amendola
Week 2: Aqib Talib
Week 3: Kenbrell Thompkins
Week 4: Aqib Talib
Week 5: Brandon Spikes
“In the spirit of full-disclosure, I’ve partnered with MetLife as part of the Road to MetLife Stadium Preferred Blogger Program. Throughout the year I’ll be receiving special access to MetLife Stadium events and be conducting reader giveaways, with prizes provided by MetLife. However, no payment was given or expected for posting about the program, and as always, all opinions given here are fully my own. “
“I am currently a member of the Road to MetLife Stadium Preferred Blogger Program and this post is part of my involvement. While MetLife provides me material and necessary resources to complete various activities, all statements and sentiment in PatriotsLife are my own.”
