Revenge Game Theory: Do they make an impact?
Adrian Phillips had a terrific game against his former team on Sunday.
People make charades about players returning to former teams. Tom Brady’s return to Foxborough was one of the most anticipated games ever and a terrific spectacle. The concept of free agency, and the aspect of players traded away from teams, has created strenuous situations in which players play against the team that either decided to get rid of them or whatever circumstance caused both parties to not lead to a mutual agreement. Sometimes players wish they were out of purgatory and chase championship aspirations, or certain factors drove the parties to dispatch. Tight End Hunter Henry and Strong Safety Adrian Phillips both returned to Los Angeles this week for the New England Patriots and had had some outstanding plays that lent credibility to the revenge game mantra.
Players may have an inside track of the system their previous team used to run and how to best use their weaknesses against their former team. Adrian Phillips seemed like he knew the Chargers' offense inside and out with two interceptions against top 10 Quarterback Justin Herbert, who has shown that he can play at a high level of football. Phillips is a seasoned veteran who filled the Patriots depth chart nicely after Patrick Chung left the team. The box safety has shown that he is more than just a strong tackler, much often the role that players like Phillips take on and has an affinity for forcing turnovers. In his post-game conference, the safety mentioned that the game was fun to beat up on his former team.
Hunter Henry also had a strong game and has shown that he is the Patriots' best tight end. He may not have much volume in the passing game, only accumulating one catch for 33 yards, but his run blocking was impressive. Especially after a 2020 season that saw an uncharacteristically tight end free Patriots offense, Henry has given defenses another thing to think about and a red-zone weapon for rookie Quarterback Mac Jones. While Jonnu Smith may not be producing as much as Henry, their total contributions are leagues better than the Patriots 2020 Tight End production and spoil Patriots fans who have a history of seeing elite Tight End Play.
Keeping up with the theme of the revenge game, the Patriots are facing former teammate Stephon Gilmore this week against the Carolina Panthers. Hopefully, Gilmore will not play well against his former team and often gives up the big play. Carolina has been on the decline since a red-hot start. Revenge games are fan-favorites and generate storylines and influence a player’s performance against their former team. It is always a fun activity to see which players are playing their former teams, and the former Chargers took off against the Bolts.
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