AP Photo/Michael Dwyer

FOXBORO- The Patriots lost a tough one in overtime to the Seattle Seahawks, 23-20. They had their chances to put the game away in the fourth quarter but a blocked 48 yard field goal and an inability to convert key third down’s offensively late in the game proved to be the difference. The Patriots dropped to 1-1 on the season and visit the Jets on Thursday night.

Here are seven thoughts on today’s loss.

1.Inability to finish: The Patriots had the lead late in the fourth quarter but failed to seal the deal and lost this game. A blocked field goal and not being able to convert on third down proved to be the difference. As players said after the game, the team needs to learn not to lose games like this. Once they do that, they can then win them. Unfortunately it is a lesson that will take some time.

2. Secondary struggles: The Patriots secondary struggled today against the Seahawks skill group. Jackson Smith-Njigba had a monster game catching 12 passes for 117 yards. D.K Metcalf also had a good day at the office hauling in 10 catches for 129 yards and a touchdown. Miscommunication was a problem all afternoon and it showed up in the amount of big plays the Patriots gave up. They just simply could not match up.

3. Hunter Henry busts out in a big way: Hunter Henry had a career day catching 8 passes for 109 yards. It was his second career 100 yard game. Unfortunately for Henry, he was the only receiver that did anything for the Patriots. The rest of the skill group combined for 40 yards receiving. It was yet another lackluster performance for the receivers but it was good to see Henry has a rapport with Jacoby Brissett.

4. Wide receivers non-existent: The wide receivers continue to be a non-factor in this offense. Aside from Ja’Lynn Polk’s touchdown catch to open the scoring, the rest of the receivers collectively mustered only 19 yards. The only receivers to catch a pass were Polk and K.J Osborn. It has to be frustrating for this group. The lack of a number one receiver is a problem but this skill group is better than this. Offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt needs to find a way to get these guys touches. The Patriots cannot win this way.

5. Offensive line struggles in pass protection: The offensive line struggled mightily in pass protection. The Seahawks finished with 3 sacks but it could have been much worse. Brissett was harassed all afternoon and while he did a good job of extending plays and trying to make things happen, he got hit a lot and was shaken up late in the game. Vedarian Lowe struggled mightily and to compound things, he got hurt late in the game forcing rookie Caedan Wallace into action at left tackle. Based on Lowe’s injury, Wallace may end up getting the start on Thursday night. Like we suspected, this unit will struggle all season long.

6. Running solid once again: If there was a silver lining in this game, the Patriots did once again run the ball well. Antonio Gibson in particular had a strong game rushing for 96 yards on 11 carries. Rhamondre Stevenson had 81 yards on 21 carries and a touchdown. Collectively, the Patriots rushed for 185 yards. The ground game will be fine. It is the passing game that is a problem and needs to be fixed.

7. Slot fade: The Seahawks killed the Patriots with one route today. Slot fade. Metcalf caught a 56 yard touchdown pass on the route and Tyler Lockett was able to draw two penalties on the route that extended scoring drives and led to points. After the game, defensive back were about what happened and to a man they all said the same thing. Miscommunication. That is good and all but the coaches should have adjusted to it and clearly they did not do enough to keep Seattle from running the route.