FOXBOROUGH- The Patriots lost a heartbreaker to the Colts this afternoon at Gillette. Leading 24-17 with just over eight minutes left in the game, the Patriots defense gave up a 19 play, 80 yard drive that culminated in an Anthony Richardson to Alec Pierce 3 yard touchdown pass. Richardson would barrel his way in on the two point conversion to give the Colts a 25-24 lead with eight seconds left.
The Patriots would get the ball to midfield where Joey Slye would miss a 68 yard field goal as time expired.
Here are seven thoughts on today’s loss.
1. Patriots defense blew it: The Patriots defense blew it! Plain and simple. You have to win a game like this. Instead, your defense gives up a 19 play, 80 yard touchdown drive and the two point conversion. Offensively, the Patriots played well enough to win the game. The defense blew it.
2. Penalties continue to be an issue: The Patriots racked up another 7 penalties for 88 yards in this game. It is embarrassing at how undisciplined this football team is. It cost them today because the penalties took points off the board. Jerod Mayo and his staff have to find a way to get this team to play smarter and more disciplined.
3. Slye all over the place: Kicker Joey Slye was inconsistent. He missed a 25 yard field goal right before the first half ended but then almost hit a game winning 68 yard field goal to end the game. After the game, Slye talked about the kick and just missing it.
“Yeah, I mean I hit it clean. It was dead down the pipe from where I was looking. So I knew if I just got the distance, I would be fine. Cold weather today, wind in our face going that way as well so I know I needed to put pretty much everything I had into it and just fell a little bit short.”
Slye has been a clear upgrade over Chad Ryland from last season but he does need to be more consistent. The Patriots have a slim margin for error and need Slye to be consistent.
4. Maye’s Day was O.K: Drake Maye played well enough to win this game. He completed 24-of-30 passes for 230 yards, one touchdown pass and an interception. The interception was not Maye’s fault as the ball was tipped and kicked. Maye played well enough for the Patriots to win. Unfortunately, the defense let them down.
5. Season high rushing attack: The Patriots rushed for a season 200 yards. Coming into the game, the Colts were one of the softest teams in the NFL against the run, especially inside the tackles. The Patriots were able to capitalize on that fact and ran the ball effectively. The running game has been better of late which has helped the offense be more productive and consistent.
6. Tight ends lead the way in the passing game: Hunter Henry and Austin Hooper were the team’s receiving leaders with Henry catching 7 passes for 75 yards. Hooper caught four passes for 42 yards and a touchdown. Both players have been reliable targets all season and have played a big part in the development of Maye. Henry and Hooper are good route runners who know how to get open underneath and have sneaky separation skills.
7. Peppers returns: Jabrill Peppers made his return and started. After the game, he said he felt pretty good being out there.
“I felt pretty good. Being out of it since Week 4, not being able to practice and do real football in a while, I surprised myself.”
Pepper’s return allows the Patriots to play veteran Jonathan Jones at cornerback more which gives them more flexibility schematically on the back end. Having a bye this week should allow Peppers to get into better game shape.