NFL Power Rankings, Week 4: How experts view the Patriots after 1-2 start Originally appeared in NBC Sports Boston
Many people viewed the New England Patriots as a last-place team heading into the 2024 NFL season, and after the first three weeks, here’s how the team ranks in experts’ power rankings heading into Week 4.
After a Surprising win over the Cincinnati Bengals In Week 1, the Patriots have lost two straight games and now have a 1-2 record. Lost 23-20 in overtime to the Seattle Seahawks in a game they could have easily won. New England was then Overpowered by rival New York Jets in a 24-3 loss last Thursday at MetLife Stadium.
The Patriots’ main concerns right now are on offense. This team has scored just one touchdown in its last seven quarters of action. The Patriots were outgained 400-139 in total offense by the Jets, and they were just 2-of-11 on third downs.
He The offensive line is anorthAnother massive problemThis unit allowed seven sacks and 15 quarterback hits in the Week 3 loss to the Jets. New York’s defense generated pressure on 53.8 percent of New England’s passes.
If these issues are not corrected, we could see another lopsided result on Sunday when the The Patriots visit the San Francisco 49ersThe defending NFC champions totaled 425 yards of offense and 27 points in Week 3 despite being without star players like running back Christian McCaffrey, wide receiver Deebo Samuel and tight end George Kittle due to injuries.
The bookmakers don’t give the Patriots much of a chance either. The 49ers are Favored by 10 points in some betting houses.
Here’s a rundown of where the Patriots sit in the experts’ power rankings heading into Week 4.
“The sooner Drake Maye gets started, the better.” — Mike Florio
“Jacoby Brissett never stood a chance against the Jets, overwhelmed by pressure every time he dropped back to throw, so it was surprising that immediately after the loss head coach Jerod Mayo initially ruled out the possibility of making a QB change. The next day, Mayo made it clear that Brissett would be his starter and Drake Maye would remain QB2.
“The Patriots were basically solid in the Week 1 upset 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 will get lucky, facing the 49ers and Dolphins when they’re banged up, but that won’t matter unless the Patriots do a much better job with fundamentals than they did last Thursday.” — Eric Edholm
“Veteran quarterback Jacoby Brissett was hit 15 times in a Week 3 loss and has now been hit 30 times this season. He’s been sacked nine times because poor communication along the offensive line has led to too many free rushers and the running backs haven’t always been strong on the blitz.
“The Patriots don’t have an elite spacer on the outside, so even when Brissett has time to throw, the pressure has gotten to him as he waits for someone to get open.” — Mike Reiss
“The Patriots have allowed pressure on 45.8 percent of their pass rushes, worst in the league. New England has allowed 11 sacks, accounting for 12.5 percent of its pass rushes.
“That’s why coach Jerod Mayo has been hesitant to start rookie Drake Maye, who entered the game as a reliever Thursday, completed 50 percent of his passes and was hit on a sack.” — Josh Kendall
“After the Jets have completely dominated them, we’ll see if the Patriots, who have been ahead in the first two weeks (beating the Bengals and narrowly losing to the Seahawks in overtime), can come back against the wounded 49ers and Dolphins.” — Conor Orr
“That win over the Bengals seems like a thing of the past. The offense isn’t very good. How long until Drake Maye’s time comes?” — Pete Prisco
“Those who weren’t optimistic about the Patriots at the start of the season confirmed that in Week 3. The Patriots were overwhelmed in every way against the Jets. Now the clock starts ticking as New England trades rookie quarterback Drake Maye.” — Frank Schwab
“Of all the thankless tasks quarterback Jacoby Brissett has had over the years, serving as a human shield for rookie Drake Maye has to rank last.” — Nate Davis