The Patriots dropped to 1-5 after losing to old friend Josh McDaniels and the Las Vegas Raiders, 21-17.

Here are seven points on the loss.

1. Offense slightly better- The offense played better on Sunday than they had the previous two weeks but there were still plenty of mistakes. Mac Jones threw an awful interception in the second quarter and the end of game meltdown in the two minute drill reinforces that this team still has a long way to go offensively.

2. Penalties- The Patriots committed 10 penalties for 79 yards. The lack of discipline continues to be an issue and it proved to be costly yesterday. This team is so far removed from the dynasty years when they played, clean, disciplined football. They are the opposite of that now.

3. Pass pro was awful- The Patriots had protection issues all afternoon specifically right tackle Vedarian Lowe who was dominated by Maxx Crosby. At times, Jones had time but when the game was on the line, both Lowe and tight end Mike Gesicki whiffed on a block against Crosby and he got the sack that ended the game. Only two of the expected five starters started yesterday so injuries continue to be an issue for this unit. 

4. Mac improved- I thought Jones played much better than the previous two weeks. The interception he threw was atrocious and proof that he is continuing to press in the passing game. He also made a couple of nice throws specifically the one to DeVante Parker at the end of the game that Parker failed to reel in. Mismanaging the two-minute situation at the end of the game was also on Mac. For now, Jones did enough to remain the starter. 

5. Defense bent a little too much- The defense only gave up 19 points. Normally that’s good enough to win a game. The problem is, they bent a little too much. I do not think they played well from the 20 to the 20. This is is especially true in the second half when Brian Hoyer came in for an injured Jimmy Garoppolo. Hoyer had plenty of time in the pocket and made some big time throws to extend Raider drives. The defense has to be nearly perfect unfortunately and they were not. 

6. Running has life- The Patriots only rushed for 83 yards as a team but both Rhamondre Stevenson and Ezekiel Elliott scored touchdowns. The ground game was supposed to be a strength for the Patriots this season but that has not been the case thus far. The poor play of the offensive line has been the primary reason. Yesterday provided some hope that the running game may finally be coming around.

7. Belichick 0-3 vs. McDaniels- Bill Belichick is now 0-3 all-time in head to head match-ups against the former Patriots offensive coordinator. All three match-ups have been close but in the end, McDaniels teams have been able to come away with the win.