The New England Patriots are currently grappling with a challenging six-game losing streak, which seems to sting even more following their coach’s remarks that the team is lacking toughness. After a disappointing 32-16 defeat to the Jacksonville Jaguars in London—a game that marked both teams at the bottom of the NFL with only one victory—head coach Jerod Mayo openly acknowledged the struggles of his once-revered franchise. He stated that the Patriots are not battling hard enough to be truly competitive this season.
This deficiency was evident as they allowed the Jaguars to rush for 171 yards. It was particularly glaring during two lengthy drives in the second half, where Jacksonville executed 18 consecutive run plays, consuming a total of 15 minutes off the clock without interruption. Despite these drives, the Patriots’ defense was unable to put a stop to the Jaguars’ offense.
Equally disheartening was New England’s offensive performance, where they managed a mere 38 rushing yards on 15 attempts. If quarterback Drake Maye’s scrambles are excluded, the running backs accounted for only 20 yards on 12 carries. “I felt like we just went out there and played soft. We’re playing soft at the moment,” Mayo reiterated during a postgame conference. He elaborated that “playing soft” includes struggles against stopping the run, inability to effectively run the ball, and weak performance on kick coverage.
Mayo, however, expressed his hopefulness that the players will be able to turn their performance around. With this being his inaugural season as Bill Belichick’s successor, the outlook appears to be dimming rather than improving.
On a positive note, the Patriots finally made an impactful start. They scored on their initial drive—something they had not accomplished all season—when Maye led a successful 11-play, 68-yard sequence that concluded with a 16-yard touchdown pass to JaMychal Hasty.
Despite this highlight, there remains a pressing need to improve their run defense. At one point in the third quarter, the Jaguars extended their lead by 15 points and executed an impressive 18 consecutive runs, putting together a drive that stripped 11:18 off the game clock, even if it did not result in points during that possession. Even in the closing minutes, as the Jaguars opted to run down the clock, they were still able to score, with Tank Bigsby rushing for 118 yards and two touchdowns on 26 carries. This match marked the third consecutive game where the Patriots have surrendered at least 170 rushing yards.
In terms of individual performances, quarterback Maye rebounded from a three-turnover showing in his first start to deliver a solid game; he finished with 276 passing yards, two touchdowns, and no turnovers. On the flip side, special teams issues plagued the Patriots during this game. They were hurt by a 96-yard punt return touchdown by the Jaguars in the second quarter and an ensuing two-point conversion following a penalty on a missed extra point. Later, when the Patriots attempted a two-point conversion in the hope of closing the gap, Ja’Lynn Polk stumbled and couldn’t secure Maye’s pass.
Injury reports highlight that wide receiver DeMario Douglas departed in the third quarter due to gastrointestinal issues, while running back Antonio Gibson returned after briefly being sidelined in the first quarter. Offensive lineman Layden Robinson suffered an ankle injury and did not return, while rookie wide receiver Javon Baker was inactive after missing practice due to illness.
Key statistics emerged from the game, with Maye becoming the first Patriots quarterback to throw for five touchdown passes within his first two starts, having added two more to his tally following his previous three-touchdown outing.
Looking ahead, the Patriots will prepare to host the New York Jets this coming Sunday as they aim to break their faltering streak.