NFL Week 4 Power Rankings: How experts view Patriots after 1-2 start originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston
Many people considered the New England Patriots to be a last-place team heading into the 2024 NFL season, and after the first three weeks, that’s how the team is ranked in experts’ power rankings heading into Week 4.
After a Surprise victory against the Cincinnati Bengals In Week 1, the Patriots lost two straight games to fall to 1-2. lost 23-20 in overtime to the Seattle Seahawks in a game they could have easily won. New England was then dominated by rival New York Jets in 24-3 loss last Thursday at MetLife Stadium.
The Patriots’ biggest concerns right now are on offense. This team has scored just one touchdown in its last seven quarters. The Patriots were outgained 400-139 in total offense by the Jets, and they’re just 2 of 11 on third down.
THE the offensive line is ananother major problem. That unit gave up seven sacks and 15 QB hits in the Week 3 loss to the Jets. New York’s defense generated pressure on 53.8 percent of New England’s dropbacks.
If these issues are not corrected, we could see another lopsided score on Sunday when the Patriots visit San Francisco 49ersThe defending NFC champions totaled 425 yards of offense and scored 27 points in Week 3 despite missing star players such as running back Christian McCaffrey, wide receiver Deebo Samuel and tight end George Kittle due to injuries.
The bookmakers aren’t giving the Patriots much of a chance either. The 49ers are favored by 10 points in some sports betting.
Here’s a look at where the Patriots stand in the expert rankings heading into Week 4.
“The sooner Drake Maye starts, the better.” – Mike Florio
“Jacoby Brissett never had a chance against the Jets, overwhelmed by the rush every time he dropped back to pass, so it was surprising in the immediate aftermath of the loss that head coach Jerod Mayo initially dodged the question of whether he would make a QB change. The next day, Mayo made it clear that Brissett was his starter and that Drake Maye would remain QB2.
“The Patriots were fundamentally sound in the Week 1 loss at Cincinnati, and they were at least competitive in the loss to the Seahawks, albeit with more mistakes than this team can afford. But they weren’t competitive in Week 3. Executing the pure fundamentals — blocking and tackling — is absolutely crucial if this team wants to win more games soon.
“New England has a few chances to get back on track, against the 49ers and Dolphins when they’re really down, but it won’t matter unless the Patriots do a much better job on the fundamentals than they did last Thursday.” — Eric Edholm
“Veteran QB Jacoby Brissett was hit 15 times in a Week 3 loss and has now been hit 30 times this season. He was sacked nine times as poor communication along the offensive line led to too many open rushers, and the running backs weren’t always solid in recovering blitzes.
“The Patriots don’t have an elite outside separator, so even when Brissett has time to throw, the pressure gets to him as he waits for someone to open up.” — Mike Reiss
“The Patriots have conceded pressure on 45.8 percent of their dropbacks, the worst percentage in the league. New England has conceded 11 sacks, which is 12.5 percent of its dropbacks.
“That’s why coach Jerod Mayo hesitated to start rookie Drake Maye, who came in as a backup Thursday, completed 50 percent of his passes and was beaten on a sack.” — Josh Kendall
“Completely dominated by the Jets, we’ll see if the Patriots, who beat the Bengals and narrowly lost to the Seahawks in overtime, can come back against the 49ers and Dolphins, who have been hurt.” — Conor Orr
“That win over the Bengals seems a long time in the rearview mirror. The offense isn’t very good. How long will it be before Drake Maye is back?” — Pete Prisco
“Those who were against the Patriots early in the season got their comeuppance in Week 3. The Patriots looked outmatched in every way against the Jets. Now the clock is ticking as New England switches to rookie quarterback Drake Maye.” — Frank Schwab
“Of all the thankless jobs QB Jacoby Brissett has had over the years, serving as a human shield for rookie Drake Maye has to rank near the bottom of the list.” — Nate Davis
