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NFL Power Rankings roundup: Where Patriots stand entering Week 5 originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston
All of the optimism the New England Patriots created with a surprise Week 1 win over the Cincinnati Bengals has evaporated after three consecutive losses, the latest of which came Sunday in San Francisco.
The 49ers beat the Patriots 30-13, dropping New England to a 1-3 record at the bottom of the AFC East standings.
Once again, the Patriots offense is struggling in pretty much every facet. This unit ranks 32nd in total yards per game (238.8) and passing yards per game (112.3), as well as 31st in points scored per game (13.0). The passing attack has totaled two touchdowns, which is tied for the second-lowest amount in the league. The offensive line has allowed the second-most sacks (17) and is constantly allowing pressure in the backfield.
The Patriots defense isn’t playing great, either, but until the offense gets fixed, there’s not much reason to believe a quick turnaround will happen.
The one good thing for the Patriots is their upcoming schedule is fairly weak. Their Week 5 opponent, the Miami Dolphins, rank last in scoring at 11.3 points per game. The loss of injured quarterback Tua Tagovailoa has sunk Miami’s offense. After hosting the Dolphins, the Patriots play vs. the Houston Texans, vs. the Jacksonville Jaguars in London, vs. the New York Jets, at the Tennessee Titans, at the Chicago Bears, vs. the Los Angeles Rams, at the Dolphins and vs. the Indianapolis Colts before a Week 14 bye.
There are several winnable games during that stretch. The debate is whether the Patriots should stick with veteran Jacoby Brissett as the starting quarterback or make the switch to rookie Drake Maye. Based on head coach Jerod Mayo’s comments this week, it sounds like Brissett is still QB1. But if Brissett gives another performance like he did in Week 4 against the 49ers — 168 passing yards, one touchdown and two turnovers — it might be time to seriously consider the…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-power-rankings-roundup-where-153817516.html
Author : NBC Sports Boston
Publish date : 2024-10-01 15:38:17
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