Patriots’ offense can’t make most of opportunities late in loss

The Patriots offense looked a lot better on Sunday facing a banged up and inexperienced Baltimore Ravens defense, as they were able to put together drives, and more importantly, put points on the board. The season-high 26 points were not enough, however, as the Patriots fell 37-26 and may have lost starting quarterback Mac Jones for an extended period of time.

Still, there were opportunities that the Patriots offense left on the field, especially in the fourth quarter, that kept them from winning this game. Too many self-inflicted wounds, which seem to happen more often than Patriots fans have come to expect over the past 20 years, helped drop the Patriots to 1-2 and continue to separate them from the good teams in the NFL.

“We had our chances today, we just weren’t able to take advantage of some of them”, said head coach Bill Belichick in his post-game press conference. “We had too many mistakes today to be able to win.”

After the Ravens scored to go ahead 31-20, Jones and the offense marched down the field with help from wide receiver DeVante Parker and running back Rhamondre Stevenson. With Jakobi Meyers inactive, Parker busted out with five receptions for 156 yards, as he seemed to give the Patriots the deep threat they’ve been lacking. A ridiculous fourth down conversion by Jones led to a Stevenson touchdown and a five-point deficit.

On the ensuing Ravens possession, Jonathan Jones forced a fumble, and the Patriots were in business deep in Ravens territory. However, Jones forced one off his back foot that was intercepted in the endzone as he targeted Parker. It followed a questionable play call on second-down as the Patriots called a draw play on second and goal from the 14, forcing them into a third and long situation.

After the defense forced a punt, the Patriots took over at their own 29 with a chance to put together a game-winning drive. On third down, Jones hit receiver Nelson Agholor for a long gain, but Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton was able to punch it out and the Ravens recovered, all but sealing the victory. It was the second time that Agholor has lost a fumble in the fourth quarter this season and prompted a reaction from former Patriot Julian Edelman.

It’s hard enough for the Patriots to win games so far in 2022, they can’t afford to keep shooting themselves in the foot with these turnovers.

“You’re not going to win turning the ball over in the fourth quarter”, said Belichick.