The New England Patriots entered Saturday’s Week 17 matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers at Gillette Stadium as underdogs, and they showed why, falling 40-7 in the contest.
New England has now dropped to 3-13 on the season, and they’re dangerously close to securing their worst season in over 30 years.
After the loss, let’s discuss who deserves credit for their performance and what/who needs more work this upcoming week.
WINNER: OL Cole Strange
As head coach Jerod Mayo said in his media availability after the game, there’s nothing good to take away from this, so trying to find a winner is difficult.
Strange returned to action for the first time in over a year, played a new position and didn’t have many mistakes. That could be seen as a positive.
LOSER: CB Jonathan Jones
Without Christian Gonzalez, who was ruled out after a head injury in the second quarter, Jones was asked to be the team’s top cornerback. Ladd McConkey consistently beat the cornerback on his way to two touchdowns (which really should’ve been three if Justin Herbert hadn’t overthrown his wideout).
This may have been Jones’ worst game as a Patriot.
LOSERS: Pass rush
Every week, the Patriots just can’t seem to make opposing quarterbacks feel uncomfortable. It was no different in this matchup, as neither Herbert nor Taylor Heinicke were sacked once.
New England’s sack percentage has dropped down to 5.29% which is good for 30th in the NFL. The only teams that they’re ahead of now are the Jacksonville Jaguars (5.21%) and the Atlanta Falcons (4.88%).
LOSER: RB Rhamondre Stevenson
Stevenson may have gotten the start in this one, but after the fumble issues through the first 16 weeks, he was used sparingly on Saturday.
The former fourth-round pick got just two carries and totaled just one yard while also recording one target in the receiving game.
New England is probably regretting giving out that extension to the running back this past offseason.
MORE PATRIOTS NEWS
Takeaways from Patriots Week 17 loss to Chargers
Patriots fans let Jerod Mayo hear it during 40-7 loss
Patriots blown out by Chargers for sixth straight loss
Patriots CB Christian Gonzalez enters concussion protocol
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