The Patriots’ Struggles Continue After Loss to Colts
FRANKFURT, GERMANY (PSF)—The Patriots continue to struggle, and offensive tensions continue to rise after their 10-6 loss to the Colts in Germany, putting them at 2-8 on the season.
Photo Credit: David Silverman, New England Patriots
Offense:
The Patriots’ offense continued to underperform, and tension increased on the sideline.
The first drive for the Patriots was decent and ended in a 37-yard field goal, but they would not go to score again until the fourth quarter.
The Colts responded with a one-yard rushing touchdown by running back Jonathan Taylor but like the Patriots, they would not score again until the fourth quarter.
The Patriots had the chance to do something with seven seconds left in the first half after the Colts missed a 57-yard field goal, but the half closed with just a 30-yard catch by wide receiver Demario Douglas.
After a defensive turnover, the Patriots got the ball at the 50. This drive set up a 35-yard field goal that was missed. Kicker Chad Ryland was able to redeem himself on the next possession, and the 24-yard field goal was good, making it a one-point game. The Colts responded with a 51-yard field goal of their own and extended their small lead.
The Patriots were marching down the field on a solid drive when quarterback Mac Jones’ pass intended for tight end Mike Gesicki was intercepted by safety Julian Blackmon.
Jones was benched with a little under two minutes left of the game to QB Bailey Zappe. Zappe did not look any better than Jones; he threw an interception to seal the win for the Colts.
Belichick frustrated as Bailey Zappe throws game-sealing INT
Video Credits: ESPN
The offensive line was brutalized by the Colts’ defense and Jones was constantly pressured, sacked five times for 22 yards and was hit nine times.
Jones completed 75% of his passes for 170 yards but also threw his tenth interception to lead the league in this category. Zappe only completed three of his seven passes for 25 yards and an interception.
The Patriots found some success in the run game as RB Rhamondre Stevenson rushed for 88 yards and Ezekiel Elliott rushed for 54 yards.
Defense:
The Patriots’ defense also did not play stellar in this game. They gave up a touchdown on the Colts’ opening drive but ultimately held them scoreless until the fourth quarter.
The Patriots defense came up with a crucial turnover to start the second half. Myles Bryant intercepted QB Gardner Minshew, but the offense did not capitalize on this takeaway.
Myles Bryant comes up with tip drill INT for the Patriots
Video Credits: ESPN
Unlike the Colts, the Patriots did not sack Minshew this game and they only hit him once. Davon Godchaux led the team with eight total tackles.
Takeaways and Looking Forward:
On paper, the Patriots had the statistics to win this game. However, the lack of communication and high tensions between the players and coaches are becoming more evident.
Head coach Bill Belichick was disappointed by the loss but admitted that it was a “similar theme” to their other games this season. He emphasized the “many missed opportunities in all three phases of the game” and stated that they need to “do a better job taking advantage of the opportunities.”
Going into their bye week, the Patriots have a lot of things to talk about and fix. The question of who the starting QB will be in Week 12 is up in the air again. Discussions of Belichick’s role at the Patriots are also starting to pick up again. It will be interesting to see what, if anything, happens during their bye week.
The Patriots will take on the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium on Nov. 26.