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The Patriots offense played well in tonight’s loss to the Vikings but the defense and special teams were a problem. It was a game the Patriots could have “stolen” but did not.

Here are seven points on the loss.

1. Mac Shines: Mac Jones may have played his best game as a Patriot let alone the season. He completed 28-of-39 for 382 yards and two touchdown passes. He had a passer rating of 119. If there is a silver lining to this loss, it is that Jones played well.

2. Special teams were not so special: Tough night at the office for the special teams. They give up a kick return touchdown and punter Michael Palardy struggled to tilt field position against an offense that can score fast. In order to beat a team like Minnesota, you need to play well in all three phases, the Patriots did not. The special teams unit was atrocious.

3. Defense disappoints: The defense has been playing at an elite level this season but by any measure, this was a disappointing performance. Minnesota is good offensively so the defense had no margin for error. They couldn’t get off the field when they needed to.

4. Running game was putrid: The Patriots only managed 45 yards rushing against a mediocre defensive front. Not good considering this team is built to run the football.

5. Weapons utilized: Conversely, the passing game was on point. Matt Patricia called arguably his best game of the season. He spread the ball around in his play calling and got all the skill guys involved. Now it will be interesting to see if the offense can build off this and produce like this in the passing game.

6. Henry non-touchdown: Look. I am going to keep it simple. The correct call was made reversing Hunter Henry’s touchdown but the rule is stupid. It has been for a long time but the NFL has no interest in fixing it.

7. Golden opportunity: The Patriots had a chance to steal this game and couldn’t get it done. Now the road to a playoff spot becomes much tough. They essentially need to go 4-1 down the stretch.