New England Patriots: Grading the team’s debacle vs. the Saints

New England Patriots passing game was inept

To make things worse, Jones got hit on a rush and threw his first interception, one of three on the day. That led to a touchdown.

Poor Mac Jones. No doubt he wishes he was back in the safe confines of Alabama. (Note: actually, it’s almost certain he doesn’t. He’ll be back. Count on it.)

Hunter Henry had a false start penalty at the end of the half that derailed a possible touchdown. They had to settle for a field goal. Not good enough.

Then to open the second half, a pass to stone-fingers Jonnu Smith went off his hands for a Saints’ pick-six. And that was that.

Can someone please find Jonnu Smith some gloves? Or stick’em. Something. How many drops can one guy have?

Smith has been a train wreck. He can’t be on the field unless and until he finds a way to catch a ball. I have to ask, who actually scouts these guys?

Tight ends Smith and Hunter Henry, the two free-agent signings we all expected to help upgrade the New England Patriots offense simply put, haven’t. To date, they’ve been flops.

It wasn’t until late in the third quarter that the offense had even a decent drive. Using Brandon Bolden helped extinguish that drive.

Bolden does not warrant a spot on any gameday roster. He lacks speed, elusiveness, and power. More on this later under coaching.

The offense in total was overwhelmed by the Saints defense and it was tough to watch. Final Grade: D-