The Patriots had an opportunity to play spoiler on Saturday; effectively, that’s when you really thought something would change after Christmas.
New England obtained stomped by the Los Angeles Chargers, 40-7, at Gillette Stadium. It was a tough search for Jerod Mayo’s aspect that appeared to heading in a constructive course after solely a three-point loss to the Buffalo Payments. As an alternative, Jim Harbaugh’s aspect eased by with a Week 17 win that helped them clinch a playoff berth.
For the Patriots, it was a rinse-and-repeat efficiency that reminded followers how dreadful this season has been. However earlier than we get to that, let’s begin with the positives.
STUDS
Drake Maye
The rookie quarterback nonetheless wants to slip as proven when he needed to step out after the primary Patriots drive of the sport. Fortunately, he was capable of return however a botched toss ended up being his lone turnover of the sport. We’re nonetheless praising Maye due to his heads-up play to toss it as much as DeMario Douglas for New England’s lone landing of the sport. The teaching workers nonetheless insists on operating the soccer and but Maye led the group in dashing with 32 yards.
Cole Unusual
The third-year offensive lineman began his first NFL recreation at middle. Unusual performed the place in faculty, which made him an intriguing prospect — perhaps not first-round intriguing. It was an terrible efficiency from the offensive line, however Unusual largely held his personal at middle. There was one botch within the third quarter the place the 26-year-old snapped the ball too early and obtained Maye rocked. Regardless, Unusual at middle is a possible choice for the teaching workers for subsequent season.
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Alex Austin
Christian Gonzalez left the sport on account of a concussion. That left Austin because the defacto No. 1 nook. The second-year defensive again was strong and continues to appear like a future piece for the group.
DUDS
Patriots coaches
If DeMarcus Covington and Alex Van Pelt are teaching for his or her jobs, this matchup was a nasty case to make. All of it begins with Jerod Mayo, who claimed Rhamondre Stevenson could be benched for Antonio Gibson. As an alternative, the Stevenson began, and whereas he didn’t fumble, it despatched a bizarre message. The dangerous vibes continued to be felt because the Patriots appeared unprepared on each side of the ball. Los Angeles did no matter they wished and New England followers’ restlessness was felt with the “Hearth Mayo” chants.
Yannick Ngakoue
Does anybody bear in mind when the Patriots signed the Professional Bowl cross rusher? We wouldn’t blame you when you didn’t. The veteran was meant to offer New England some juice on protection. He wore purple sleeves to evoke Matthew Judon, however he confirmed his selfishness with a first-half roughing the cross penalty on Justin Herbert. It gave off extra of an impression that the veteran is attempting to rack up stats than be a pacesetter.
Kyle Dugger
The Patriots captain obtained cooked on Ladd McConkey’s large performs. A few of them weren’t his fault. However it’s been a nasty season for a participant the Patriots prolonged within the offseason.
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Tackles
Vederian Lowe was flagged for one more penalty on this recreation, and Demontrey Jacobs had no likelihood towards Joey Bosa. It’s a troublesome ask to deal with Bosa and Khalil Mack, however Lowe and Jacobs proceed to be the worst elements of the Patriots offense.
