NFL Energy Rankings Week 4: How specialists view Patriots after 1-2 begin initially appeared on NBC Sports activities Boston
Lots of people considered the New England Patriots as a last-place group coming into the 2024 NFL season, and after the primary three weeks, that is how the group is being rated in professional energy rankings coming into Week 4.
After a stunning upset win over the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 1, the Patriots have misplaced back-to-back video games to fall to 1-2. The Patriots misplaced 23-20 in extra time to the Seattle Seahawks in a sport they simply may have gained. New England was then dominated by the rival New York Jets in a 24-3 loss final Thursday at MetLife Stadium.
The first issues with the Patriots proper now are on offense. This group has scored just one landing in its final seven quarters of motion. The Patriots had been outgained 400-139 in complete offense by the Jets, they usually went simply 2-for-11 on third downs.
The offensive line is andifferent huge subject. This unit gave up seven sacks and 15 QB hits within the Week 3 loss to the Jets. New York’s protection generated stress on 53.8 p.c of New England’s dropbacks.
If these issues aren’t corrected, we may see one other lopsided rating Sunday when the Patriots go to the San Francisco 49ers. The defending NFC champions tallied 425 yards of offense and scored 27 factors in Week 3 regardless of not having star gamers equivalent to working again Christian McCaffrey, huge receiver Deebo Samuel and tight finish George Kittle as a consequence of accidents.
Oddsmakers aren’t giving the Patriots a lot of an opportunity, both. The 49ers are favored by 10 factors at some sportsbooks.
This is a roundup of the place the Patriots stand in professional energy rankings coming into Week 4.
“The earlier Drake Maye begins, the higher.” — Mike Florio
“Jacoby Brissett by no means had an opportunity in opposition to the Jets, snowed beneath by the frenzy seemingly each time he dropped again to move, so it was stunning within the quick aftermath of the loss when head coach Jerod Mayo initially punted on the query of whether or not he would make a QB change. The following day, Mayo made it clear that Brissett was his starter and Drake Maye would stay QB2.
“The Patriots had been basically sound within the Week 1 upset in Cincinnati, they usually had been not less than aggressive within the loss to the Seahawks, albeit with extra errors than this group can afford. However they weren’t aggressive in Week 3. Executing the pure fundamentals — blocking and tackling — is completely essential if this group needs to win extra video games quickly.
“New England catches some breaks, dealing with the 49ers and Dolphins after they’re actually banged up, however it gained’t matter until the Patriots do a significantly better job with the basics than they did final Thursday.” — Eric Edholm
“Veteran QB Jacoby Brissett was hit 15 instances in a Week 3 loss and has now been hit 30 instances this season. He has been sacked 9 instances as poor communication alongside the offensive line has led to too many free rushers, and working backs haven’t all the time been sturdy in blitz pickup.
“The Patriots haven’t got an elite separator on the surface, so even when Brissett has time to throw, the stress has gotten to him whereas he is ready for somebody to get open.” — Mike Reiss
“The Patriots have allowed stress on a league-worst 45.8 p.c of their dropbacks. New England has surrendered 11 sacks, which accounts for 12.5 p.c of their dropbacks.
“Because of this coach Jerod Mayo has been hesitant to start out rookie Drake Maye, who received into the sport in reduction Thursday, accomplished 50 p.c of his passes and received walloped on one sack.” — Josh Kendall
“Totally dominated by the Jets, we’ll see if the upstart Patriots of the primary two weeks—those who upset the Bengals and narrowly misplaced to the Seahawks in extra time—can return in opposition to the wounded 49ers and Dolphins.” — Conor Orr
“That victory over the Bengals appears manner within the rearview mirror. The offense is not superb. How lengthy earlier than it is Drake Maye time?” — Pete Prisco
“Those that had been down on the Patriots coming into the season received affirmation in Week 3. The Patriots seemed overwhelmed in each manner in opposition to the Jets. Now the clock begins ticking on when New England switches to rookie quarterback Drake Maye.” — Frank Schwab
“Of all of the thankless assignments QB Jacoby Brissett has had over time, serving as rookie Drake Maye’s human protect has to rank on the backside.” — Nate Davis
