Execution errors were a prominent factor in the New England Patriots’ 28-22 defeat against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday.
This has turned into a concerning trend for first-year head coach Jerod Mayo, who is working to cultivate a positive culture while trying to rally a team that hasn’t managed to achieve consecutive victories this season.
Despite the challenges, Mayo remains steadfast in his conviction that the team’s talent is sufficient. “We have enough talent in that room, in the locker room to win football games, and I stand by that,” Mayo stated.
This belief will be put to the test for a squad that faced a key opportunity against a Rams team that offered New England (3-8) multiple chances to secure a win on Sunday.
Rookie quarterback Drake Maye expressed frustration over key moments following one of his stronger performances of the season, marked by solid statistics but a couple of critical missteps.
He completed 30 passes out of 40 attempts for 282 yards and two touchdowns but allowed a crucial strip-sack at his 12-yard line, resulting in a Rams touchdown.
Later, with only about two minutes remaining in the game and a chance to drive for a game-winning score, Maye’s long pass to Demario Douglas was intercepted, sealing the Rams’ victory.
“I thought we did some good things, but at the end of the day just wasn’t good enough,” Maye reflected.
In terms of positives, injuries and adjustments along the offensive line have been significant concerns for the Patriots this season.
However, it was a promising sign to see continuity within the unit this week, with Ben Brown (center), Vederian Lowe (left tackle), Michael Jordan (left guard), Mike Onwenu (right guard), and Demontrey Jacobs (right tackle) all starting for the second consecutive game.
Having the same starters in place has only happened three times this season, which could be beneficial as the offense continues to address execution setbacks.
Conversely, the pass rush remains an area that needs improvement.
The defense failed to record a sack on Sunday, even with defensive tackle Christian Barmore returning after being sidelined since July due to blood clots.
It was also notable that the team was without defensive end Deatrich Wise, who is dealing with a foot injury.
On a brighter note, wide receiver Kendrick Bourne saw his stock rise significantly.
Having been placed on the sidelines without a snap in the previous week’s victory against Chicago, Bourne caught all five targets thrown his way on Sunday, leading the team with 70 yards and a touchdown.
In contrast, the special teams struggled, contributing to a challenging day for the Patriots.
Following a touchdown pass from Maye to Lowe that cut the deficit to 28-19 early in the fourth quarter, Los Angeles’s Michael Hoecht blocked the subsequent extra-point attempt, preventing the Patriots from closing the gap to a single score.
Though New England later got another opportunity to win with a 42-yard field goal from Joey Slye, the earlier mishap added unnecessary pressure on the offense.
Injury reports noted that linebacker Curtis Jacobs sustained a head injury during a kickoff following a Patriots field goal and did not return to the game.
In a pivotal statistic, the Patriots’ red zone performance stood at just 2 of 5, reflecting a season ranking of 29th in the NFL, with only 15 touchdowns from 32 opportunities (46.9%).
Looking ahead, the Patriots will travel to Miami for their next game on Sunday, hoping to improve upon their earlier loss to the Dolphins, which ended with a 15-10 scoreline back in Week 5.