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New England Patriots
Balance sheet: 1-6
Key statistics: 14.1 points per game (30th), 4.5 yards per pass (30th), 4.5 yards per carry (17th), 25 sacks allowed (31st), 10 fumbles (30th), 16 .7 percent pressures against opposing quarterbacks (28th place),
New England Patriots: reasons for the misery
When looking at the overall quality of the roster, the Patriots are one of the worst teams in the league. The O-line in particular is one of the worst you can find in the NFL right now. In this respect, quarterback Jacoby Brissett found it anything but easy to stay on his feet in his five starts. At some point the veteran visibly lost his interest in the game. The fact that rookie head coach Jared Mayo decided to put Drake Maye on the field is controversial. Some fear that Maye will be destroyed behind the five revolving doors on the line and seriously injured in his first year in the NFL; others hope that the rookie will gain valuable experience and lead an improved team next year.
New England Patriots: Hope gives…
Running back Rhamondre Stevenson was a positive surprise, especially at the start of the season. The 26-year-old is sitting on a relatively well-paid and long-term contract (four years, up to $36 million), although it was initially not clear to what extent he would justify it. The only negative point about his season are the four fumbles that Stevenson has already had. The defense should also be viewed positively, as it makes the games tight at least in certain areas and is by far not one of the weakest statistically. They are not a purebred blitzing team, but like to play according to the motto “bend but don’t break”. The Patriots should be able to select a quality O-liner in the next draft. They also have the most cap space of all teams next year.
forecast: One or two wins are certainly still possible as the season progresses. In Week 9 they play in Nashville against the Tennessee Titans. However, the Patriots will definitely finish last in their division.
