Courtesy of the New England Patriots

The debut of Drake Maye overshadowed another difficult loss for the Patriots. The 41-21 loss dropped the Patriots to 1-5 on the season. It is their fifth straight loss.

Maye’s performance in his first career start was the lone bright spot in what was an otherwise miserable performance by the defense and the team as whole.

Here are seven points on the Patriots loss.

1. Maye shines in debut: Maye was terrific in his debut completing 20-of-33 passes for 243 yards and 3 touchdown passes. He did throw two interceptions and one was on a tipped ball but he showed tough, poise and an ability to process and anticipate from the pocket. Maye also led the team in rushing with 5 carries for 38 yards. He did a lot of good things and there is plenty to build on.

 

2. The passing game comes to life: The passing game finally came to life for the Patriots today and Maye starting is no coincidence. Pop Douglas scored his first career touchdown and led the team with 6 receptions for 92 yards. Kayshon Boutte had 3 catches for 59 yards including a 40 yard touchdown reception, the first of his career. Hunter Henry also scored. It was a good day for a receiving corp that has some talent and needed the opportunity to shine. Maye gave them that opportunity.

3. Defense gets lit up in the second half: The defense actually played pretty well in the first half, giving up 14 points. Unfortunately, they were dominated in the second half giving 27 points and looking overmatched. The defense gave up 384 yards of total offense, including 192 yards rushing. It was an abysmal performance from a unit that looks tired and overworked.

4. Pop, pops: Douglas had the best game of his career. He got open routinely and was able to separate after the catch and score. We have always talked about Douglas’ potential but now we have finally seen it first hand.

5. Offensive line a mess again: The offensive line continues to struggle with injuries and bad play. Vedarian Lowe was rolled up on in the second quarter and did not return with an ankle injury. Zach Thomas struggled with Danielle Hunter and Demontrey Jacobs had his hands full with Will Anderson who finished with three sacks. The Texans finished with four sacks total.

6. Undisciplined play a problem: The Patriots turned the ball over four times and committed nine penalties. Did it cost them the game? Probably not but it did not help. Jerod Mayo and his staff need to figure out how to get this team to play more disciplined, focused football. The penalties in particular are getting out of hand.

7. Situational unawareness: Situational football continues to be an issue for Mayo and the coaching staff. They nearly mismanaged the two minute drill at the end of the first half and then they had a chance to score at the end of the game with three timeouts, inside the 20 and opted not too. It was frustrating because it was another opportunity to work a situation with Maye and Mayo opted not to take advantage of the situation.