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The Patriots dropped yet another one on Sunday afternoon, losing 20-17 to the now 4-5 Washington Commanders.
The defeat puts New England at 2-7 on the season, as they continue to inch closer to the No. 1 overall pick rather than the 2023 postseason. Things have certainly changed in Foxborough, Massachusetts.
Here are five immediate thoughts from Sunday’s game:
5 - No Boutte?
With the Patriots down both DeVante Parker (concussion) and Kendrick Bourne (knee) on Sunday, eyes were all over rookie wide receiver Kayshon Boutte to make his first game-day appearance since Week 1.
But then, he was inactive for the contest.
“I think this has probably been his best week,” head coach Bill Belichick said on Friday of Boutte’s performance in practice leading up to Sunday. The wide receiver said this during the week at his locker:
“It’s been seven weeks (since I’ve played). Now my name is being called. I need to step up.”
So what changed? We’ll ask Belichick at his press conference (follow along here at WEEI.com for an update), but an odd turn of events for the rookie pass catcher.
4 - Some odd cornerback shuffling as well.
The Patriots started Jonathan Jones and Shaun Wade at boundary cornerback on Sunday, with JC Jackson and Jack Jones on the bench. Fine, if that’s how you want to start things off.
The odd part was that Jackson wasn’t spotted during warmups, and then proceeded to sit out New England’s first three drives (that resulted in 10 Commanders points) before being put into the game.
On top of that, Jack Jones didn’t see the field for the Patriots first four drives, and was seen sitting on the bench with his helmet on an a towel draped around his neck while the rest of the defense walked the sideline. He then made his return to the field, and was a culprit of several big plays for the Commanders and missed opportunities for New England, which we’ll get to.
3 - A sign of life from Rhamondre Stevenson.
With yet another new offensive line combination in front of him, Patriots running back Rhamondre Stevenson actually showed some flashes of his 2022 self on Sunday. Having averaged just 3.2 yards per carry and failing to break 60 rushing yards in a game to date, the third-year running back burst onto the scene at Gillette Stadium with a game-high 87 yards.
The stat line was highlighted by the above 64-yard rushing touchdown in the second quarter as Stevenson finished the loss with 9 carries for 87 yards and the score while also adding three catches for 36 yards through the air.
2 - Patriots’ brutal tackling continues.
I had to point this one out. Commanders quarterback Sam Howell was running around for his life in Foxborough on Sunday but was able to keep most plays alive, until a 15-yard Deatrich Wise Jr. sack put his offense in 3rd and 24.
The signal caller dropped back, broke the pocket left, and was able to scamper all 24 yards for a first down thanks to poor, poor tackling.
Not only here, but for most of the contest New England’s defense struggled to bring guys down on the first, second, and even third attempt. For a team that keeps saying they’re going back to the basics, they’ve yet to improve in this one.
1 - The Patriots just aren't good enough.
As shown on the FOX broadcast on Sunday, it looked like Patriots president Jonathan Kraft was seen saying to his father, Robert, “We’re not good enough,” after his team took at 17-10 lead over the Commanders in the third quarter.
He could also be seen yelling and waving his arm after Demario “Pop” Douglas returned a punt, ran backward, and was downed at the team’s own 5-yard line and was taken down. Kraft continued to look outwardly upset throughout the final minutes of the game.
Ownership isn’t happy, and you shouldn’t be either.
The Patriots lost 20-17 to the (now) 4-5, basically tanking, Washington Commanders on Sunday. For a team whose expectation was made to be Super Bowl or bust throughout the beginning of this century, Sunday made it certain: the team isn’t good enough, and things need to change.
Make sure to follow Mike on Twitter @mikekadlick, and follow @WEEI for the latest up-to-date Patriots and Boston sports news!
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