The Patriots had a chance to play spoiler on Saturday; well, that is if you actually thought anything would change after Christmas.
New England got stomped by the Los Angeles Chargers, 40-7, at Gillette Stadium. It was a rough look for Jerod Mayo’s side that appeared to heading in a positive direction after only a three-point loss to the Buffalo Bills. Instead, Jim Harbaugh’s side eased by with a Week 17 win that helped them clinch a playoff berth.
For the Patriots, it was a rinse-and-repeat performance that reminded fans how dreadful this season has been. But before we get to that, let’s start with the positives.
STUDS
Drake Maye
The rookie quarterback still needs to slide as shown when he had to step out after the first Patriots drive of the game. Luckily, he was able to return but a botched toss ended up being his lone turnover of the game. We’re still praising Maye because of his heads-up play to toss it up to DeMario Douglas for New England’s lone touchdown of the game. The coaching staff still insists on running the football and yet Maye led the team in rushing with 32 yards.
Cole Strange
The third-year offensive lineman started his first NFL game at center. Strange played the position in college, which made him an intriguing prospect — maybe not first-round intriguing. It was an awful performance from the offensive line, but Strange largely held his own at center. There was one botch in the third quarter where the 26-year-old snapped the ball too early and got Maye rocked. Regardless, Strange at center is a potential option for the coaching staff for next season.
Alex Austin
Christian Gonzalez left the game due to a concussion. That left Austin as the defacto No. 1 corner. The second-year defensive back was solid and continues to look like a future piece for the team.
DUDS
Patriots coaches
If DeMarcus Covington and Alex Van Pelt are coaching for their jobs, this matchup was a bad case to make. It all starts with Jerod Mayo, who claimed Rhamondre Stevenson would be benched for Antonio Gibson. Instead, the Stevenson started, and while he didn’t fumble, it sent a weird message. The bad vibes continued to be felt as the Patriots looked unprepared on both sides of the ball. Los Angeles did whatever they wanted and New England fans’ restlessness was felt with the “Fire Mayo” chants.
Yannick Ngakoue
Does anyone remember when the Patriots signed the Pro Bowl pass rusher? We wouldn’t blame you if you didn’t. The veteran was meant to provide New England some juice on defense. He wore red sleeves to evoke Matthew Judon, but he showed his selfishness with a first-half roughing the pass penalty on Justin Herbert. It gave off more of an impression that the veteran is trying to rack up stats than be a leader.
Kyle Dugger
The Patriots captain got cooked on Ladd McConkey’s big plays. Some of them weren’t his fault. But it’s been a bad season for a player the Patriots extended in the offseason.
Tackles
Vederian Lowe was flagged for another penalty in this game, and Demontrey Jacobs had no chance against Joey Bosa. It’s a tough ask to handle Bosa and Khalil Mack, but Lowe and Jacobs continue to be the worst parts of the Patriots offense.
