FOXBOROUGH – The Patriots are running out of time to match last season’s win total.
At 3-12, this hasn’t been the season many envisioned in New England. It’s not that expectations have been high, but at this point, it was hoped that the Patriots would be playing their best football.
That was nearly the case last week in Buffalo. The Patriots did the unthinkable and came close to upsetting the Bills inside their own stadium. Of course, as we’ve seen this year, the Patriots fell apart. Their undoing in New York was similar to many games they’ve played this season.
If Jerod Mayo wants to exit 2024 on a high note then his Patriots team will need to upset either the Los Angeles Chargers on Saturday or the Bills in their final game. If that’s going to happen, the Patriots can’t repeat the same mistakes seen in 15 previous games.
Here’s a look at five things to watch on Saturday:
Turnovers
The Patriots have a -9 turnover differential this season. That’s not good. There are only five teams worse in the NFL. The Patriots have 12 takeaways compared to 21 turnovers. The Chargers haven’t had the same problem. They have a turnover differential of +10. They have 19 takeaways compared to nine turnovers.
The Patriots probably upset the Bills if they don’t turn the ball over three times in the second half. If they’re going to upset the Chargers, they need to play clean.
Drake Maye
Soak it up while you can. In three weeks, we won’t get to watch Drake Maye in a regular season game until next fall. The rookie quarterback has been the best part of this season for the Patriots. Whether it’s highlight reel throws (like the one to Kayshon Boutte ) or runs, Maye has been exciting this season.
This weekend, Maye will have his hands full. The Chargers have a good defense. They’re ranked 16th in total defense, 16th in passing defense, and 17th in run defense.
Center position
The Patriots have started three players at center this season. After David Andrews suffered a torn rotator cuff, Nick Leverett stepped in for one game. He was replaced by Ben Brown, who’s done a solid job. After starting 10 straight games, Brown’s run might come to an end since he’s currently in the NFL’s concussion protocol.
If Brown can’t play, the Patriots will either turn to backup Lecitus Smith or Cole Strange, who’s been working at center but never played the position in an NFL game.
Red zone play
The Patriots need more touchdowns. When they closer to the end zone, it somehow gets harder. That was seen last week when it took the Patriots nine plays inside the 4-yard line to punch it in. That’s been a frustrating issue all season.
The Chargers have been one of the stingiest teams in the NFL. Their defense has allowed touchdowns on 61.1% of their goal-to-go situations. That’s bad news for the Patriots, who are ranked 19th in the NFL when they have a goal-to-go situation. On Saturday, they can’t settle for field goals.
Ladd McConkey
This one hurts. During Day 2 of the draft, the Patriots traded down in the second round to select Ja’Lynn Polk. With their original pick, at No. 34, the Chargers drafted wide receiver Ladd McConkey. This season, McConkey has turned into the Chargers No. 1 receiver with 69 receptions, 960 yards and five touchdowns. He’s on pace to surpass the 1,000-yard mark.
Polk, meanwhile, has 12 catches for 87 yards and two touchdowns this season. The Patriots will get a close look at what could’ve been on Saturday. We’ll see if Polk steps up.
Prediction: Chargers 23, Patriots 20
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