The New England Patriots traveled to Germany on Sunday to take on the Indianapolis Colts. It was a fitting game for a crowd used to low scoring “football,” as both teams combined for just one touchdown and four total scores throughout the contest.
And the 10-6 final scoreline reflected terribly on the Patriots. New England’s defense shut down the Indianapolis offense throughout the entire game, but just could not muster a shred of offense on their end to complement the defensive unit.
The game ultimately ended in an ugly manner for the Patriots, with quarterbacks Mac Jones and Bailey Zappe each throwing bad interceptions late in the game that sealed the loss for New England.
Here are five big takeaways from the game.
1
The QB clown show
This game may have been the worst Patriots game that’s been played since at least the 20th century. While Jones had a fine day on paper (15-20, 170 yards, one interception), he was horrendous when called upon in crucial situations.
New England went just 6-of-14 on third down, highlighted most notably by Jones’ inability to get rid of the ball quickly and take sacks. While his offensive line certainly wasn’t doing him any favors, a number of defenders (Dayo Odeyingbo, most particularly) were able to easily get through New England’s line on the money down.
Four of the #Colts' five sacks have been on third down and have ended a Patriots drive.
New England's offense can't seem to get a pass off on the NFL's money down. 😬😬😬
— Henry McKenna (@henrycmckenna) November 12, 2023
And Jones’ five first-half sacks tied a Patriots’ record since 2000.
Mac Jones has been sacked 5 times in the first half (4 coming on third down).
Since 2000, most sacks taken by QB in a first half:
🏈Today: Mac Jones: 5 (vs IND)
🏈2015 Week 5: Tom Brady: 5 (at DAL)
🏈2008 Week 7: Matt Cassel: 5 (vs DEN)— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) November 12, 2023
Later in the game, Jones again failed to deliver in the clutch. With the Patriots down by four with just over four minutes remaining in the game, the team was able to drive deep into Colts territory in large part due to an incredible running game (more on that later).
And on 2nd-and-12 from the Indianapolis 15-yard line, Jones had tight end Mike Gesicki wide open in the end zone for the go-ahead touchdown.
But his throw left much to be desired.
I’ve really tried to convince myself Mac Jones would be fine with more talent on the outside. But here Mike Gesicki is open for an easy TD and Jones does not make the easy throw.
pic.twitter.com/L1tMLG034S— Armando Salguero (@ArmandoSalguero) November 12, 2023
While the Patriots did get the ball back again still down four with just 1:52 left in the game, they decided not to roll with Jones for the potential game-winning drive. Instead, they turned to Zappe to be the hero for the team.
And after Rhamondre Stevenson ran for a first down, New England needed to stop the clock so they could draw up a game plan. But instead of running a real spike, they ran a fake one in an attempt to catch their opponent off-guard.
But with their backup quarterback as the signal-caller, the attempt for easy yards backfired in the worst way possible.
This is so damn embarrassing. pic.twitter.com/KWbU9aHZuW
— Tyler Milliken ⚾️ (@tylermilliken_) November 12, 2023
In a game where the Patriots’ defense played about as well as they could have, the offense, and more specifically the quarterback, failed to complement it.
2
The running game (finally) breaks out
When New England signed Ezekiel Elliott in the offseason, many speculated that the two-headed rushing attack of Elliott with Rhamondre Stevenson would dominate the Patriots’ offensive attack this season.
But while both backs showed flashes of brilliance in the first half of the season, neither was truly able to set the tone for the offense until Sunday.
Stevenson showcased the shiftiness and pass-catching ability that made him a fan-favorite last season, racking up 88 yards on 20 carries while also catching three passes for 14 yards. Elliott made use of his straightaway speed and explosiveness, tallying 54 yards on 13 carries while also hauling in two passes for 34 yards.
While neither back ran for over 100 yards, they both drove the offense throughout the game. On one drive, the team ran 11 rushing plays as opposed to just three passing plays.
This reminds me of the snow bowl game when the Patriots beat the Bills with a billion runs.
But, of course, in this game, it isn't dumping snow nor is the wind swirling at 50 mph. It's just ugly for plenty of other reasons.
— Henry McKenna (@henrycmckenna) November 12, 2023
Of course, the team only scored six points, and there was only so much the running game truly did to benefit the offense, Sunday’s game showed two things. Not only does the coaching staff have very little faith in Jones to continue running the offense and make smart passing decisions, the rushing game can prop it up if needed.
And with the Patriots looking more and more like they’ll be adding at quarterback in the offseason, that rushing attack may be needed a fair bit through the end of the season.
3
Special teams, not so special
Rookie punter Bryce Baringer continued his 2023 reign of terror on Sunday, booming four punts for 250 yards and a long of 79 (yes, that’s correct). Unfortunately, Baringer’s performance was just about the only positive takeaway from the special teams unit.
Rookie kicker Chad Ryland had a tough day at the office, making two field goals but missing a third from just 35 yards out. Moreover, the kickoff unit allowed a massive return from notable Patriots killer Isaiah McKenzie that set the Colts up with great field position en route to their second score of the game.
But the real head-scratching special teams maneuver came early in the second quarter. After New England stopped the Indianapolis offense near their own goal line, the coaching staff decided to go all out to try and block the ensuing punt.
And in going all out, they brought returner Demario Douglas up near the line of scrimmage to cover the gunner, leaving nobody back to field the punt.
The #Patriots sent everyone to try to block the punt and left no one to return the kick.
It failed.
The Colts punt went for 70 yards.pic.twitter.com/eQ1yKh19uL
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) November 12, 2023
In a game where New England’s offense could use any break they could get, passing up the opportunity for good field position was a coaching decision that ultimately was not worth the risk.
4
Praise for Jahlani Tavai
The Patriots’ defensive unit was sound as a whole on Sunday, limiting the number of big plays from the Indianapolis offense and holding them to under 300 total yards. But even amidst a solid collective effort, Jahlani Tavai again proved his worth to the defensive unit.
With starting linebacker Ja’Whaun Bentley out for the game with an injury, Tavai was the sole true middle linebacker entrusted with commanding the defense. And he took advantage of the opportunity, tallying seven tackles (four solo) as well as this tipped pass that resulted in a Patriots interception.
Jahlani Tavai continues to be in the middle of everything for the Patriots.
He tips it and Myles Bryant comes down with it.
Patriots badly needed that.
pic.twitter.com/BDxN7PVAwN— Tyler Milliken ⚾️ (@tylermilliken_) November 12, 2023
That tipped pass was the latest in a recent run of games where the linebacker has been part of a forced turnover by the defense.
Jahlani Tavai now has factored in on turnovers in three of the last five weeks. Picked off a ball in Vegas, forced a fumble against the Commanders and now tips a Gardner Mishew pass that is intercepted by Myles Bryant. Also could've had a pick last week.
— Dakota Randall (@DakRandall) November 12, 2023
Tavai has been a bright spot for a Patriots team that has been in desperate need of them this season.
5
Will Mac Jones even last the season?
A few weeks ago, I wrote that the Patriots should at least give Jones the rest of the season as the starter just to see what they have at the position. But after Sunday’s game, there’s a chance Jones may not even remain the starter when the team comes back in two weeks.
After his disastrous interception in the fourth quarter on Sunday, Jones looked visibly distraught as he was benched for Zappe.
Por más malo que sea Mac Jones, definitivamente es demasiado triste ver a un chico de 25 años colapsar mentalmente y no poder con la frustración de ver su sueño diluirse. Más allá de los fans, seguro el mismo es su mayor juez y verdugo.
Ojalá la NFL te de la revancha Mac. pic.twitter.com/OPhVNl03p7
— Carlos Cuenca (@_betocuenca) November 12, 2023
And it didn’t help that offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien had chewed Jones out on the sideline after a missed pass earlier in the game either.
Bill O’Brien PISSED at Mac Jones pic.twitter.com/AclbRTblL7
— Michael Hurley (@michaelFhurley) November 12, 2023
While it makes sense for the Patriots to see what they have in Jones while he’s still under his rookie contract, it may make more sense for the team to evaluate the other options they have on the roster as well, especially with Jones seeming like a lost cause more and more every game.
