The New England Patriots suffered one of their ugliest home losses in franchise history against the New Orleans Saints on Sunday at Gillette Stadium. So there are many more downs than ups in this one. Here are 10 players we graded either “UP” or “DOWN” from the game…
UP: WR Demario Douglas
Sept. 10, 2023; Foxborough, MA: New England Patriots wide receiver Demario Douglas (81) makes a catch during the first half against the Philadelphia Eagles at Gillette Stadium. (Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports)
You really have to reach deep to find an “up” in a game like this. Douglas was good enough to qualify. He made the Patriots’ first explosive play of the game with a nice 24-yard catch in the first quarter. Unfortunately, Douglas had to exit early with a head injury, but the impressive rookie looked like he was on his way to a nice game.
DOWN: QB Mac Jones
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – OCTOBER 08: Cameron Jordan #94 of the New Orleans Saints and Tanoh Kpassagnon #92 of the New Orleans Saints sack Mac Jones #10 of the New England Patriots during the first half at Gillette Stadium on October 08, 2023 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Malhotra/Getty Images)
Jones’ latest pick-six got the ball rolling downhill for the Patriots. It was a bad decision to try to get rid of the ball there. He had no chance of a play. Jones was also inaccurate throwing downfield under pressure.
The Patriots’ problems certainly aren’t all on Mac. He has a struggling offense all the way around him and the coaches don’t seem to have guys ready to go. But he’s certainly not doing anything to make up for those issues, and now he’s becoming a negative.
UP: WR Kendrick Bourne
Oct. 1, 2023; Arlington, Texas, USA; New England Patriots wide receiver Kendrick Bourne (84) catches a pass in warmups before the game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
Not that Bourne made any impact on the game, but on a day like this, “no complaints” would suffice. No big issues with Bourne, who made two catches for 43 yards. His other three targets were off the mark from the quarterback. Bourne also looked like one of the few guys playing with any pride by the end of the game.
DOWN: WR DeVante Parker
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – OCTOBER 08: DeVante Parker #1 of the New England Patriots attempts to catch a pass while defended by Paulson Adebo #29 of the New Orleans Saints during the second quarter at Gillette Stadium on October 08, 2023 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Malhotra/Getty Images)
Two catches for 20 yards by Parker, and one of them he was fortunate to be given after a replay review overturned a call, because it looked like Parker’s foot was out of bounds. Parker is basically just a deep threat, and he’s not fighting enough for the ball when it goes his way. As a guy who was being counted on to be an explosive playmaker for this offense, he’s not doing nearly enough.
UP: RB Ezekiel Elliott
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – OCTOBER 08: Ezekiel Elliott #15 of the New England Patriots runs the ball during the first quarter against the New Orleans Saints at Gillette Stadium on October 08, 2023 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Winslow Townson/Getty Images)
Another guy with no complaints, so he gets a nod. Only 2.6 yards per carry, but no back can produce with their line. Elliott also caught all four of his targets for 17 yards. He’s part of a short list of guys who looked something close to good.
DOWN: S Kyle Dugger
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – OCTOBER 08: Chris Olave #12 of the New Orleans Saints celebrates his receiving touchdown with Michael Thomas #13 of the New Orleans Saints during the second quarter against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on October 08, 2023 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Malhotra/Getty Images)
Dugger was in coverage in the back of the end zone for Chris Olave’s touchdown in the second quarter. Dugger has had a bit of an up-and-down season, as he’s being depended on as a rock in a banged-up secondary. His effort in this game wasn’t quite good enough. He doesn’t deserve to be singled out on the defense, but he’s the one that got beat on the real back-breaker.
DOWN: K Chad Ryland
Oct 1, 2023; Arlington, Texas, USA; New England Patriots place kicker Chad Ryland (37) kicks during the game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Ryland ended up with the team’s only real opportunity to score points in this game, and he missed his lone field goal attempt wide left. Yes it’s tough to put the rookie on this list when he was basically out there for one impactful play. But his miss wasn’t close, and he had a clean snap and hold on it. Ryland needs to be better.
DOWN: P Bryce Baringer
Oct 8, 2023; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots punter Bryce Baringer (17) punts the ball during warmups prior to a game against the New Orleans Saints at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
Baringer had at least two punts that looked like he hit on the wrong part of his foot. One of them included a bad snap by Joe Cardona, but what’s his excuse for the other one? Baringer had a handful of decent enough punts in a busy day for him, but he’s certainly on the list of guys who didn’t come ready to execute at the start of the game.
DOWN: RT Vederian Lowe
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – OCTOBER 08: Mac Jones #10 of the New England Patriots attempts a pass during the second quarter against the New Orleans Saints at Gillette Stadium on October 08, 2023 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Malhotra/Getty Images)
It’s not Lowe’s fault that he’s being depended on as the starting right tackle in the first place. But it was a bad day for him against the Saints’ formidable edge rushers. The offensive line has been a disaster almost across the board throughout the season, and right tackle is probably the worst part.
DOWN: S Jabrill Peppers
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – OCTOBER 08: Jabrill Peppers #5 of the New England Patriots muffs a punt during the first half against the New Orleans Saints at Gillette Stadium on October 08, 2023 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Winslow Townson/Getty Images)
Peppers was shaky on both defense and on punt returns. He got beat down the field for a 25-yard completion to Rashid Shaheed, on a drive that ended with a Saints touchdown. Peppers has had a good start to the season overall, but he wasn’t sharp in this one. Certainly wasn’t alone.
