AP Photo/George Walker IV)

The Patriots overcame a sluggish day offensively to force overtime on a miracle play by Drake Maye on the last play of the game only to surrender a field goal in the extra session and lose on a game ending interception by Maye, 20-17.  

Here are seven thoughts on the Patriots loss today.

1. Offensive game plan was lacking: The offensive game plan lacked creativity and imagination and was a big reason why the Patriots struggled on offense today. Alex Van Pelt was universally applauded after last week’s game but after today, he has to bare much of the burden for today’s performance. The plan was bad.

2. Maye was up and down: The rookie quarterback had an up and down day. He rushed for 95 yards on eight carries and threw the ball 41 times. He also threw his first career interceptions. He was wildly inconsistent but in his defense, he did not have a lot of time in the pocket and his skill group struggled to get open against the top pass defense in the NFL. All of that being said, Maye was the biggest reason the Patriots were in the game. 

3. Running game non-existent: The Patriots haven’t had a 100 yard rusher since Rhamondre Stevenson went for 120 yards rushing week one against the Bengals. The running game was supposed to be a point of emphasis this season and a strength. It has been awful. This team cannot run the ball and if they do not find a way to run the ball, then they will continue to struggle offensively.

4. Where’s the pass rush? The Patriots pass rush is also non-existent. They only had one sack in this game, that’s it! It is hard to believe that after they traded Matthew Judon, we thought that they would be fine without him. They clearly miss him. The lack of a pass rush is a major problem and with Joshua Uche also gone now, it does not appear like it will be solved this season. The Patriots cannot get to opposing quarterbacks. 

5. Receivers struggle once again: The receiving corp continues to lack the ability to make a big play. Kendrick Bourne had his best game of the season with 4 catches for 41 yards but outside of Bourne and a couple of catches by Pop Douglas, this group did nothing on Sunday. Tight end Hunter Henry is the team’s most reliable target right now. Outside of that, no one else is consistent enough. 

6. Defense wilts when it counts: The defense only gave up 20 points but when they needed to make a stop in overtime, they could not. They also gave up another 100 yard rushing game to a running back. Tony Pollard rushed for 128 yards on 28 carries. Yes, they were better on Sunday but this unit is far from what they have been in recent years. 

7. Marcus Jones a factor in the return game: Marcus Jones has emerged as one of the best kick returners in the game. His 41 yard punt return set up the Patriots with great field position in the second quarter. He was a difference maker on Sunday and you have to wonder if teams are going to start kicking away from him now. Moving forward, you have to wonder if the Patriots should start using him on offense more like they did in 2022.