The New England Patriots (1-2) were statistically the better team last week against the Pittsburgh Steelers, but New England was unable to come out on top in what was a very winnable game on their home field.
Although it was a loss, there were positive takeaways for the Patriots, as they look for their first win of the season at Gillette Stadium on Sunday against the Carolina Panthers (1-2).
Here are notes, takeaways, and concerns from the week as the Patriots look to get back on track and avoid losing two games in a row at home this season.
Offense
The Patriots ran another balanced offensive scheme last week and it's something that should continue moving forward Drake Maye attempted 37 passes while handing it off to the running backs 22 times and taking seven runs himself.
This is going to be a big week for the running backs after Rhamondre Stevenson and Antonio Gibson both fumbled in critical moments last week and it ended up costing New England the game. The run-game needs to continue being emphasized despite managing three fumbles from both veterans.
It's worth mentioning that the Panthers' defense is coming off a game where they produced a shutout in Week 3 against the Falcons with 43 solo tackles and three turnovers. They have five turnovers in the first three games, which is the sixth-most in the NFL.
Protecting the ball is going to be more essential than ever for New England after they turned the ball over five times last week. Although Maye had two of the turnovers, he is coming off a great outing where he led the offense to a potential home victory, totaling 268 yards and two touchdowns.
One of the more impressive drives of the game was in the second quarter where Maye led the offense on a 19-play, 94-yard drive that unfortunately ended in an interception at the goal line. It was great to see the offense march themselves the length of the field to get into scoring position at the end of the first half.
The production from the wide receiver position is still something to monitor each week with this team. The Patriots only have 35 completions from five receivers that have accrued 50 total targets this season. Maye has made it work so far, but they need to get more production from the receivers this season.
The offensive line has done well for the most part through the first three weeks despite Maye being sacked 12 times already this season, which is tied for the third-most in the NFL.
It’s worth noting that the Patriots have used the same offensive line this season, but that will change this week with starting left guard rookie Jared Wilson being ruled out with an ankle and knee injury after not practicing at all this week. Stepping in his place as the starting left guard will be Ben Brown.
Defense
The defense is coming off their first strong outing of the season in Week 3, as it was the first time they didn’t allow a quarterback to throw for 300+ yards against them.
This should be the turning point for New England’s defense this season and it should get stronger with the return of All-Pro cornerback Christian Gonzalez, who is set to make his season debut on Sunday against the Carolina Panthers.
The defense was designed around the concept of essentially having two shutdown corners that will take away the opposing team’s best receivers with Gonzalez and the offseason addition of veteran Carlton Davis.
Gonzalez returned to practice last week for the first time since he was injured on Jul. 28 in what was the first padded practice of the offseason. He said that he was ready to play in Week 3, but it was the team that decided to hold him out.
Top linebacker and team captain Robert Spillane returned to his normal form in Week 3 after a slow start to the season. He had a game-high 15 tackles and an interception to lead the defense to keep the game alive for the offense to attempt to make a comeback.
Although Spillane had a good game, the position group as a whole has struggled to start the season and they need to be better in the middle of the field as the position is essential to the success of the defense in this new style.
The defense will look to build off the momentum from last week and try to help get their first victory of the season at home in Week 4.
Special Teams
Rookie kicker Andy Borregales didn’t attempt any field goals for the first time in Week 3, but he did make both of his extra points for the first time since Week 1.
Injury Report
Coach Vrabel starts his Friday press conferences by sharing the injury designations for the upcoming game. This is definitely a new thing we’re getting this season, as the previous head coaches didn’t share much of this information with the media.
- Jared Wilson, OUT (ankle, knee)
- Christian Gonzalez, questionable (hamstring)
- K’Lavon Chaisson, questionable (knee)
- Mike Onwenu, questionable (shoulder)
Other Notes
- Defensive coordinator Terrell Williams has been diagnosed with prostate cancer, Vrabel announced on Friday. Vrabel wants Williams to be part of this team, but the top priority is his health and he will remain away from the team at this time.
- Zak Kuhr will continue to call the defensive plays as the interim defensive coordinator while Williams is away.
- Robert Kraft plans to sell up to eight percent of the Patriots.
- Patriots lose valuable practice squad player to the New York Jets.
- The wide receiver production is still low and needs to improve, especially from the slot position as it’s the engine of the offense in Josh McDaniels’ system.
- Outside linebacker coach Mike Smith says that he still sees Keion White as a big part of the defense this season.