The New England Patriots fell to the New York Jets in a tough 24-3 defeat on Thursday Night Football, dropping to 1-2 this season. Here’s a breakdown of who stood out for better or worse in this disappointing performance.

Loser: The Offensive Line

New England’s pass protection remains a significant issue, with Jacoby Brissett getting sacked five times and facing a staggering 56.5% pressure rate. Even backup QB Drake Maye wasn’t spared, getting sacked twice during his limited time on the field. Every offensive lineman allowed at least two pressures as the Jets’ defense, under Robert Saleh, blitzed at its highest rate since 2021. Until the pass protection improves, the Patriots’ offense will continue to struggle.

Winner: Punter Bryce Baringer

One of the few bright spots for the Patriots was punter Bryce Baringer. Out of his five punts, three landed inside the 20-yard line with no touchbacks, averaging a solid net of 43.6 yards. Baringer continues his stellar start to his second NFL season.

Losers: Linebackers Raekwon McMillan and Jahlani Tavai

Filling in for the injured Ja’Whaun Bentley, both McMillan and Tavai had rough outings. New England’s defense missed 13 tackles, with this linebacker duo responsible for several. Aaron Rodgers exploited their weakness in the middle, and poor containment allowed him to extend plays outside the pocket. Jerod Mayo, visibly frustrated, called out the team’s lack of fundamentals and discipline in tackling.

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Loser: Running Back Rhamondre Stevenson

New England’s game plan was questionable, with only two run plays on the first two drives. Stevenson managed just 23 yards on six carries, with his best run being nullified by a face mask penalty. To make matters worse, Stevenson fumbled for the third consecutive game, this time losing the ball.

Winner: Wide Receiver DeMario Douglas

Douglas finally saw more action, catching seven passes on nine targets for 69 yards, including a 22-yard reception off a play-action pass. After a quiet start to the season, Douglas emerged as a reliable target, leading the Patriots in receptions and yards.

Loser: Cornerback Alex Austin

In his first defensive appearance of the season, Alex Austin struggled. On his very first snap, he missed a crucial tackle that led to an Allen Lazard touchdown. New England continues to search for a dependable third cornerback as their pass defense remains inconsistent.

Honorable Mentions:

  • Jacoby Brissett: Despite the heavy pressure, Brissett did have a missed opportunity with an open Austin Hooper in the middle. He left a few plays on the field, but it’s hard to fault him entirely given the circumstances.
  • Drake Maye: Limited playing time for Maye, but he did manage an impressive fourth-down completion to Douglas.
  • Keion White: Another standout performance with a team-high four pressures. Rodgers seemed to avoid White, getting rid of the ball quickly.
  • Deatrich Wise Jr. and Joshua Uche: Both defenders logged sacks, with Uche looking sharp after an injury-riddled 2023.
  • Christian Gonzalez: Despite allowing a touchdown, Gonzalez held Garrett Wilson to just four catches for 25 yards on 30 routes, a solid defensive effort.
  • Injuries: The Patriots were hit hard by injuries, with Michael Jordan (knee), Caedan Wallace (knee), and Alex Austin (ankle) all going down.