After the team’s worst start since the 1990s, the New England Patriots made the switch at quarterback to try to jump start the offense. However, Bailey Zappe didn’t fare any better than Mac Jones, and the Patriots have fallen to 2-10 to start the season. Now, the Patriots have a short week to prepare for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
New England Offense Still Abysmal
The New England Patriots were shut out by the Los Angeles Chargers 6-0 for their second shutout loss of the season. In his first start of the season, Zappe completed 13 of 25 passes for 141 yards. He didn’t throw any touchdowns but also didn’t throw any interceptions. However, Zappe was sacked five times for a loss of 32 yards. Zappe has not thrown a touchdown pass this season, but New England can take some solace in no interceptions being thrown for the first time in weeks.
The running game also struggled after Rhamondre Stevenson was injured after only nine carries for 39 yards. While Ezekiel Elliott did his best to pick up the slack, the Chargers defense never felt like they had to respect the passing game. That made it easier for Los Angeles to isolate the running game.
New England Defense Shines
While the offense was abysmal, the defense was the star of the show. New England held Los Angeles to just two field goals. Justin Herbert completed 22 of 37 passes for 212 yards but couldn’t find the endzone. In doing so, the team made history. According to ESPN stats, New England became the first team since 1938 to hold three straight opponents to ten points or less and lose all three games.
The Patriots managed to hold both the Colts and Giants to ten points each and only gave up 6 to the Chargers. Unfortunately, the offense has only scored six, seven and ten points in each of those three games. New England’s defense remains the only reason to watch the team right now.
Climbing Up the Draft Board
With the loss, the Patriots fall to 2-10 on the season. As of right now, New England would have the second pick in the 2024 NFL draft. The Carolina Panthers remain slightly worse at 1-11. However, the Panthers traded their 2024 first round pick to the Bears last year for the 2023 number one pick. New England is battling the Arizona Cardinals for the second pick. However, the Cardinals upset the Patriots next opponent, the Pittsburgh Steelers for their third win of the season.
Next Up: Pittsburgh
The Patriots have to put this most recent loss behind them quicker than most. New England is set to take on Pittsburgh on Thursday night football. The Steelers are coming off a tough loss to the Cardinals. Starting QB Kenny Pickett left the game with an ankle injury in the first half. Mitchell Trubisky finished the game, and Pittsburgh’s only TD came in garbage time. While Pittsburgh at 7-5 is certainly better than New England, it’ll be interesting to see how both teams respond.
For my money, this might be the New England’s best chance for an upset before the end of the season. But I still have no faith in them to get the job done.
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