The New England Patriots were largely uncompetitive in a 45-27 loss to the Green Bay Packers on Sunday. They have now dropped to 5-4 on the season.
Here is who caught our eye for better or worse upon live-viewing the Week 9 contest.
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CB Christian Gonzalez: The Patriots’ top corner was not his usual self on Sunday. Gonzalez was on scene for several explosive plays and took fault for a miscommunication that resulted in Matthew Golden’s 5-yard touchdown. Both Golden and Christian Watson posted 80-plus yards with Gonzalez in coverage while he surrendered 187 yards on a career-high 10 receptions in total.
New England’s secondary is too talented to be playing at this level in recent weeks, and that begins with Gonzalez.
QB Drake Maye: There were positive moments for Maye against Green Bay, but the quarterback ultimately struggled throwing three first-half interceptions that led to an early deficit. Maye’s interceptions came when he pushed the ball down the field, which was a concern entering the week against a zone heavy Packers defense that led the league in takeaways.
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Offensive line: Behind their fifth different starting combination, the pressure got to Maye early on Sunday. The Packers’ pressure schemes gave New England’s front fits as Maye was sacked four times and was forced into four throwaways. In total, Maye was under pressure on over 50% of his drop backs. RG Matt Pryor was initially charted with four pressures to lead the group.
Injuries: As they have all season, the injuries continued to pile up. The Patriots lost CB Carlton Davis (knee), LG Ben Brown (knee), ST Brenden Schooler (hamstring), and RB Rhamondre Stevenson (knee) in the loss. They did get positive news with starting left tackle Will Campbell, who would have returned in a closer game, but the roster is beaten down ahead of a trip to Germany — which could alter recovery timelines as the team departs Wednesday evening.
DeMario Douglas recorded his second career 100-yard game behind a beautifully-ran 36-yard corner-post route.
Mack Hollins finished with three catches and a touchdown in his return. Efton Chism also found the end zone and had five catches. It was a down day for Kyle Williams, who failed to haul in a deep ball and was targeted on Maye’s second interception (which was on the quarterback).
Rhamondre Stevenson’s fumble was the Patriots fourth turnover of the day. They now have a -11 turnover differential on the season.
Milton Williams flashed throughout the day with three pressures and a TFL in the run game.
Rookie cornerback Karon Prunty replaced an injured Carlton Davis at corner. While Prunty had an impressive gunner rep to help down a punt, the Packers immediately picked on him defensively.
Packers were 4-of-5 in the red zone.
The Patriots kickoff coverage continues to be shaky as they allowed a 48-yard return.
Punter Mitch Wishnowsky continues to punt well and recorded four i20s.
