FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) — The s hoped the scoring points of their season-opening loss to Seattle have been only a Week 1 blip, blended with some harm unhealthy luck.
After Sunday’s defense-dominant h, now it’s clear New England has some severe issues on offense that would snowball if not handled quickly.
The Patriots scored just one offensive landing in opposition to the Steelers and have simply two by way of 20 drives over two video games.
Most regarding, quarterback Drake Maye has made egregious selections passing in each outings, tossing 4 interceptions. It took him 9 video games to achieve that quantity final season and he had solely eight the common season.
“I’ve obtained to have solutions,” Maye stated. “I’ve obtained to get the ball out and notice that extending drives and doing issues the proper manner, and taking what they offer me, however on the similar time being aggressive.”
That can be more durable going ahead.
A recreation after shedding large receiver A.J. Brown for no less than 4 weeks with a high-ankle sprain, the Patriots can be with out proper guard Mike Onwenu for the foreseeable future. He left late within the first quarter after having his proper ankle rolled up on by T.J. Watt as he dived in to help a sack of Maye.
The tv replay confirmed a ugly twisting of the ankle. Onwenu obtained up on his personal energy, however needed to hop to a ready cart.
Coach Mike Vrabel stated Monday solely that it could be no less than a couple of weeks earlier than his return.
Onwenu was changed by veteran Greg Van Roten, who was simply signed in August. Van Roten began 17 video games every of the final three seasons throughout stints with the Raiders and Giants, however he's 36.
“We have now to have the ability to do is create these alternatives for the following man in and be capable to coach all people the identical,” Vrabel stated. “We ask all people to point out up every week and put together as a starter.”
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What’s working
One of many massive factors of emphasis this offseason was to enhance the cross rush. That Patriots have been throughout Aaron Rodgers in Sunday’s win, sacking him 4 instances and registering seven quarterback hits.
Along with his late-game scoop-and-score, linebacker Elijah Ponder had one of many sacks, to go together with three tackles for a loss and two quarterback hits.
Undrafted in 2025, Ponder is the newest in a protracted line of undrafted gamers to make massive impacts for the Patriots.
“Simply making the most of my alternatives,” Ponder stated. “Getting the prospect to go on the market, simply play soccer with the blokes and simply be part of the staff. So, I’m actually appreciative.”
What wants assist
The O-line depth can be a key focus this week. With Van Roten probably shifting into Onwenu’s beginning spot, they might want to determine who can be their high utility lineman.
On potential candidate is rookie Caleb Lomu. Although primarily proper sort out Morgan Moses’ backup, Vrabel didn’t rule it out.
“Caleb can be one of many guys that would presumably try this,” Vrabel stated. “We simply need to make it possible for we now have the perfect 5 obtainable, after which the opposite three guys which can be versatile on recreation day.”
Refill
Working again TreVeyon Henderson had a profitable return after sitting out the season opener rehabbing from an ankle situation.
He was liable for the offense’s lone TD, a 39-yard scamper within the first quarter, and completed with a team-high 76 yards speeding.
Inventory down
Maye. Alongside along with his early turnover points, Maye is averaging solely 7 yards per cross try, with 180 of his 386 passing yards by way of two video games coming after the preliminary catch.
Accidents
Except for Onwenu, a prolonged record of different gamers went down, together with linebacker Dre’Mont Jones (shoulder), tight finish Eli Raridon (thigh), security Dell Pettus (ankle), cornerback Marcus Jones and security Craig Woodson (shoulder).
Key quantity
twenty fifth — That's the Patriots’ NFL rank on changing third downs this season. They’ve been profitable on simply 9 of 28 (32.1%) makes an attempt by way of two video games.
Subsequent steps
New England hits the street for the second time this season, visiting Jacksonville subsequent Sunday.
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