For every game this season, we gave out three stars—a first star, second star and third star—for the standout players for the New England Patriots each week. Now that the Patriots’ season is officially over, it’s time to take a look at the standout stars for the entire season.
To keep things in line with how we did the game day stars, we have reviewed every game this season and will be tallying how many first stars each player collected.
For tie-breaking scenarios, we will be adding second and third stars into the equation to help determine the true standouts on this list. So each player’s total body of work will be taken into account.
Only 13 of 17 games had stars given out. So here are the three stars of the season based off those games.
First Star: Matthew Judon
Matthew Judon tore it up this season with 57 tackles and a team-best 15.5 sacks. He also notched two forced fumbles, one fumble recovery, and thirteen tackles for a loss.
Judon’s presence was felt all season long, and he is deserving of being this year’s first star. For some of the questionable decisions Patriots coach Bill Belichick has made recently, his decision to spend on Judon clearly wasn’t one of them.
The Pro Bowl pass-rusher was worth every penny, as he emerged as a true superstar on the defense this season.
No. of stars collected in 2022 season
First Stars: 2
Second Stars: 1
Third Stars: 2
Second Star: Marcus Jones
Marcus Jones can do it all as he logged snaps on defense, special teams, and offense. Not only did he manage to log snaps at all three phases, but his contributions were felt in multiple games, awarding him with the second star.
Jones tallied 33 tackles, seven pass break-ups, two interceptions, one fumble recovery and a pick-six.
As for special teams, which is what he was primarily touted for out of college, his total return yards were 1,007 on the season, a 23.9-yard kick return average, a 12.5-yard punt return average and a walk-off punt returned for a touchdown in Week 11 against the New York Jets.
Offensively, Jones had four catches for 78 yards and a touchdown on the year. He scored on all three units and cemented himself as Mr. Do-It-All for the Patriots.
No. of stars collected in 2022 season
First Stars: 2
Second Stars: 1
Third Stars: 1
Third Star: Rhamondre Stevenson
Rhamondre Stevenson was the sole offensive bright spot for an offense that looked horrid all season long.
Stevenson averaged five yards per carry, rushing for 1,040 yards and five touchdowns. He was also the team’s receptions leader with 69 catches for 421 yards and a touchdown.
Stevenson found his way into the Patriots’ backfield more and more down the stretch and opened eyes around the league to just how good of a do-it-all back he can be.
No. of stars collected in 2022 season
First Stars: 2
Second Stars: 0
Third Stars: 2
Every player that received stars this season
First Stars:
- DeVante Parker
- Jack Jones
- Rhamondre Stevenson (2)
- Bailey Zappe
- Matthew Judon (2)
- Marcus Jones (2)
- Josh Uche (2)
- Christian Barmore
- Devin McCourty
Second Stars:
- Deatrich Wise Jr.
- Bailey Zappe
- Matthew Judon
- Tyquan Thornton
- DeVante Parker (2)
- Jonathan Jones
- Kyle Dugger (2)
- Marcus Jones
- JaWhaun Bentley
- Kendrick Bourne
- Jabrill Peppers
Third Star:
- Rhamondre Stevenson (2)
- Marcus Jones
- Nick Folk (3)
- Jalen Mills
- Anfernee Jennings
- Matthew Judon (2)
- Pierre Strong Jr.
- Kyle Dugger
- Mac Jones
