The Patriots had been making strides.
New England spent the previous month creeping towards mediocrity because it compiled aggressive losses and wins in opposition to inferior opponents. There have been indicators of improvement on Jerod Mayo’s workforce, together with a much-improved defensive exhibiting in opposition to the Chicago Bears in Week 10 and professional-level offensive output in opposition to the Los Angeles Rams in Week 11.
That enchancment got here to a screeching halt.
The Patriots had been embarrassed in a noncompetitive 34-15 loss to the Miami Dolphins at Laborious Rock Stadium on Sunday afternoon. The ultimate rating, whereas not shut, was nearer than the sport itself. New England allowed the primary 31 factors of the sport, together with a 24-point second quarter. Over at halftime.
It was a large step backward.
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The Patriots regarded like poorly coached. Once more. They received pantsed by a second straight offensive-minded guru in Mike McDaniel. Requires Mayo and first-year defensive coordinator DeMarcus Covington certainly will get louder.
Covington’s protection was abysmal. New England’s secondary allowed Jaylen Waddle, Jonnu Smith and others to run uncovered and discover holes wherever and in every single place. Miami recorded 7.3 yards per go in opposition to Jonathan Jones, Marcus Jones, Kyle Dugger and the defensive backfield.
New England additionally dedicated greater than a dozen penalties with 10 accepted for 75 yards. There have been killers just like the Vederian Lowe maintain, which negated a 19-yard Rhamondre Stevenson display, and a third-down offside on Anfernee Jennings, which arrange Miami with first-and-goal.
The offensive line, which lastly gained continuity within the final three weeks, was horrid. The talent-depleted group couldn’t go defend (4 sacks), run block or keep away from penalties. It regarded like a bunch made up of gamers who didn’t make the 53-man roster out of coaching camp — oh yeah, three of the 5 did fail to make an preliminary roster.
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There have been miscommunications between rookie quarterback Drake Maye and pass-catchers (DeMario Douglas) and some extra head-scratching play-calls to associate with it.
The Patriots weren’t going to be judged on wins and losses this season. New England all the time was going to be judged on enchancment and improvement. Sadly for them, they’re worse off after Week 12 than they had been getting into it.
