The New England Patriots played their best offensive game of the season in their Week 13 loss to the Indianapolis Colts.
However, they continue to sabotage themselves with self-inflicted mistakes, which have led them to the losing side of several close games.
The @Patriots…
– Outgained IND 422-253
– Won turnover battle
– Won TOP by almost 9 minutes
– Avg 6.5 yds/play to IND 4.4
– Punted 1x
– Completed 80% of their passes
– Converted 6/11 on 3rd down… and STILL managed to lose.
A staggering display of coaching incompetence.
— Displaced Bostonian (@Ironhead334) December 1, 2024
In the 25-24 loss, the Patriots’ offense moved the ball better than in any previous game this season. New England recorded season-highs in total yards (422) and red-zone trips (6). It was the third time in the last four weeks that the offense reached a season-high in total yards, indicating positive progress throughout the year.
Rookie quarterback Drake Maye played one of his best games as a pro yet.
Drake Maye had his best game as a member of the #Patriots.
24/30 (80% Completion)
238 Passing Yards
59 Rush Yards
1 Touchdown pic.twitter.com/YwYDu3xKT8
— Carlos A. Lopez (@LosTalksPats) December 1, 2024
PFF had Drake Maye with 0 turnover worthy plays yesterday against the Colts. That's a first for him in a full game this year.
— Alex Barth (@RealAlexBarth) December 2, 2024
He completed 24 of his 30 passing attempts, marking a career-high completion percentage (80%).
There is plenty to be optimistic about the Patriots’ offense against a fine Colts defense. However, there is also cause for concern given the team’s continued errors, which have resulted in a rough season in terms of wins and losses.
Red zone struggles
The Patriots put together several lengthy drives — which have been uncharacteristic this season — but they still struggled to capitalize when they reached the red zone.
They scored touchdowns on just two of six red zone appearances against the Colts and came away without any points twice. The Patriots have now scored touchdowns on just 17 of their 38 red zone appearances this season, making them 30th in the NFL in red zone TD percentage (44.7%).
A missed 25-yard field goal from Joey Slye and an unfortunate bounce off Hunter Henry‘s hands directly took points off the board for New England.
Hunter Henry had been Mr. reliable all year and then this happens….
Smh. pic.twitter.com/hhWNST6Ymc https://t.co/FQzgG1wLqK
— Pats Buzz (@PatsBuzz) December 1, 2024
The loss resulted from more than just a couple of bad bounces. Costly errors from the players and coaching staff have directly contributed to their record this season.
Penalties
The Patriots scored two touchdowns that were wiped out by penalties. The first came on the second drive of the game when, after reaching the Colts’ two-yard line, their offensive line committed back-to-back holding penalties that took away a Rhamondre Stevenson score, pushed them back outside of the red zone and ultimately forced them to settle for a field goal.
Early in the fourth quarter, Drake Maye rolled out to his right and delivered a strike to Kendrick Bourne for what should have been Maye’s second TD pass, but it was also taken off the board thanks to an illegal shift penalty.
Didn't count because Pop wasn't set before going in motion, but what an effort from Drake Maye on what should've been an off-schedule TD
Turns down two throws into murky windows, finds an escape hatch, and buys time for Kendrick Bourne to find space pic.twitter.com/Z0UikXrvcL
— Taylor Kyles (@tkyles39) December 2, 2024
Penalties have haunted the Patriots for much of the season. They have now committed 88 penalties for 718 yards, which rank the fifth and eighth highest, respectively, across the league.
Play calling
There are also questions about the team’s play calling in the red zone.
The evaluation of first-year offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt is tricky, given the roster he inherited. According to ESPN Analytics, the Patriots’ offensive line is ranked 31st in run block win rate and 32nd in pass block win rate. Their receiving core has also largely disappointed, as they have dropped 5.3% of their targets (22 total), which ranks in the bottom five of the NFL.
To put things lightly, the supporting cast of Drake Maye has been subpar.
KB said he was supposed to be a decoy on this mesh concept and create room for Hunter Henry
Instead, both receivers stop in the same area and Zaire Franklin (#44) isn't in conflict, exacerbating a loss from Onwenu vs Buckner pic.twitter.com/fEXcQq6m3q
— Taylor Kyles (@tkyles39) December 2, 2024
Van Pelt has the tough task of creating a successful scheme with an offense limited in talent. He is still early into his tenure as the Patriots offensive coordinator, but the New England fanbase is not known for patience. He needs to find a way to solve their red-zone issues.
There seems to be a glaring weapon at the Patriots’ disposal that remains untouched. The offense is yet to implement designed runs for Drake Maye into their repertoire despite his proven ability to find success with his legs.
Most Rush YPG — starting QBs since Week 6
1. Drake Maye (41.6)
2. Jalen Hurts (40.3)
3. Lamar Jackson (39.4)— Dan Orlovsky (@danorlovsky7) December 3, 2024
A few weeks ago, head coach Jerod Mayo told reporters that he is “not looking forward to designing quarterback runs for him… but who knows? He’s a rookie and he’ll continue to evolve as well.”
Jerod Mayo weighs in on AVP saying the Patriots are not looking to add in designed runs for Drake Maye pic.twitter.com/13XuxKgshH
— Patriots Coverage on NBCS Boston (@NBCSPatriots) November 8, 2024
During the media session, he referenced the fact that Maye recently spent time in the concussion protocol following a hit he took in Week 8, which was over a month ago. While one of New England’s biggest goals of the season is to protect and develop Maye, there will come a point when they need to take the training wheels off.
It is particularly noticeable that on the other sideline, the Colts leaned on Anthony Richardson‘s mobility down the stretch of the game, including trusting him on a QB power for what went on to be the game-winning two-point conversion.
No extra point needed, AR wanted two.
📺 CBS pic.twitter.com/J1tII90qbR
— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) December 1, 2024
Using Maye in the run would certainly not solve all of their problems, but it is a tool that could pay significant dividends, especially in the red zone, where they have struggled.
Coming up short
With about eight minutes left in the game, Patriots CB Christian Gonzalez secured a pivotal interception as the Patriots led by seven. The Patriots had a chance to close the door with a scoring drive, but instead, they quickly went three and out. They were conservative on first and second downs with two unsuccessful run plays before third down.
In an obvious passing situation, Maye was quickly pressured before sliding, resulting in a sack. For as many excuses as Alex Van Pelt may have, it was not his finest series.
The Colts got the ball back with 5:34 left in the game and orchestrated a 19-play, 80-yard game-winning drive. The Patriots allowed three fourth-down conversions and a two-point conversion on the drive. Despite playing well for most of the game, they had multiple chances to get off the field but could not.
The Patriots still had a slim chance to win on their final drive, but after reaching the 50-yard line, Jerod Mayo opted against attempting a Hail Mary. Instead, he sent out Joey Slye for a 68-yard field-goal attempt, which would have set an NFL record for the longest make in history. Slye’s kick fell short, much like the Patriots’ efforts. While their chances of pulling off a win were already unlikely, Mayo’s decision has sparked debate.
Drake Maye on the #Patriots’ decision to kick a NFL record 68-yard field goal as opposed to a Hail Mary:
“I think it’s up to the coach. I’m here to support what Coach Mayo, and the special teams guys, and what Joey [Slye] thinks.” pic.twitter.com/nTNefiQpyM
— Carlos A. Lopez (@LosTalksPats) December 1, 2024
Baby steps?
The Patriots are now 3-10 on the season as they head into their bye week. They finish the season by playing four games against teams positioning for playoff spots: the Cardinals, Chargers and Bills (twice). Meanwhile, the Patriots compete with the Jets for last place in the AFC East.
With a demanding remaining schedule, the Patriots will likely finish with one of the worst records in the league.
Although the losses continue to mount, there are encouraging signs of growth, particularly from the offense. This season was always expected to be a rebuilding year, but Drake Maye’s performance has been strong enough to give the team a chance to start winning games.
As 2024 ends, all eyes will be on the coaching staff and front office to find the necessary pieces to surround Maye as the Patriots finish their sixth consecutive season without a playoff victory.
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