NFL Week 5 Power Rankings: Patriots make winning ugly look pretty

The Good

The defense and special teams won the game for the New England Patriots.

Although Tom Brady and the offense sputter through the game from the second quarter of the game on, the other two phrases of the game make winning ugly look pretty.

More from New England Patriots

• Former Patriot Stevan Ridley Put Kevin Hart in a Wheelchair
• 3 Patriots Who Can Clinch a Roster Spot in Final Preseason Game
• Patriots Get Win Over Division Rivals Before Season Even Begins
• New Massachusetts Sportsbook Promos: $450 Bonus to Bet on Your Patriots at Caesars + DraftKings
• Ezekiel Elliott Reveals 3 Reasons Why He Signed With Patriots

Except for a couple big runs from Bills running back Frank Gore, the Pats’ D was solid all game long.  Not only did they create consistent pressure on second-year quarterback Josh Allen with five sacks, they picked off Bills quarterbacks with four interceptions, two coming from cornerback J.C. Jackson.

Speaking of Jackson, the second-year defensive back headlined the special teams with a blocked punt that led to the team’s second touchdown of the game.  It ended up being the difference in the 16-10 victory thanks to that tenacious defense.

Here is what NFL.com writer Dan Hanzus had to say about that defense:

"“The Patriots’ defense balled out again Sunday, forcing four turnovers in a tough road matchup against an equally game Bills defense. When the revitalized Jamie Collins snatched a Matt Barkley floater out of the air for the game-clinching interception, it finished a day of covering for New England’s slumping offense. Here’s a great stat from Greg Bedard: The Pats have had 22 possessions since taking a 20-0 lead over the Jets in Week 3 — only four of those drives have gone longer than five plays.”"

Unbelievable stats for a defense that is only going to get stronger as the season moves forward.