The New England Patriots fell to 3-11 on the season after a 27-17 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday at Gillette Stadium. Here are 10 players graded either UP or DOWN based on their overall performance…
DOWN: QB Bailey Zappe
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – DECEMBER 17: Bailey Zappe #4 of the New England Patriots attempts a pass during the first quarter against the Kansas City Chiefs at Gillette Stadium on December 17, 2023 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
It was a tale of two halves for Zappe, and by extension, the Patriots offense. Zappe finished 23-of-31 for 180 yards, one touchdown, and one interception through the air. He did have a potential second touchdown called back due to a penalty, and the Patriots had to settle for a field goal on that drive, but the Chiefs essentially took over the game from there.
Zappe credited the Chiefs for improved pressure in the second half, which helped contribute to spotty decision-making. His worst mistake, which came on the Pats’ first play of the third quarter with a chance to drive for a tying touchdown, was a back-breaker. Zappe escaped pressure, but then tried to force a pass into tight coverage, and the Chiefs’ Willie Gay made the interception.
He admitted after the game that he should have thrown the ball away on the play. That was a learning experience for Zappe on living to see another down in that situation.
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – DECEMBER 17: Bailey Zappe #4 and Hunter Henry #85 of the New England Patriots celebrate after Henry’s receiving touchdown during the second quarter against the Kansas City Chiefs at Gillette Stadium on December 17, 2023 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
“Just not good enough,” Zappe said after the game. “There’s things I’m going to clean up going into next week, then get ready for the Broncos.”
Zappe did come out hot in the first half, completing 17 of his first 19 passes, including his touchdown pass to Hunter Henry. But after the Pats went up 10-7, Zappe was just 6-of-12 with the interception the rest of the way.
The second-year pro will certainly want to play a more consistently strong 60 minutes every week, but it was especially important against the Chiefs and Patrick Mahomes. Zappe certainly made a few nice plays, most notably his touchdown pass to Henry, but just didn’t play enough winning football.
UP: TE Hunter Henry
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – DECEMBER 17: Bailey Zappe #4 and Hunter Henry #85 of the New England Patriots celebrate after Henry’s receiving touchdown during the second quarter against the Kansas City Chiefs at Gillette Stadium on December 17, 2023 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
Henry has really come alive over the past two weeks. The tight end had a team-high seven catches and 66 yards on Sunday, and scored his third touchdown in two games. He almost had a second TD against the Chiefs, but a penalty nullified it. The impending free agent should be a candidate to re-sign with the Patriots in the off-season, if he wants to stay.
DOWN: CB Alex Austin
Dec 17, 2023; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Kadarius Toney (19) is tackled by New England Patriots cornerback Alex Austin (28) at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports
It’s not totally fair to Austin to give him the thumbs down, as he was making his first career start in just his second game of the season for the Patriots. But he committed two penalties, one of which negated a would-be fumble recovery by the defense. Perhaps this “down” should go to J.C. Jackson, who was active but did not play on Sunday.
UP: LB Marte Mapu
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – DECEMBER 17: Marte Mapu #30 of the New England Patriots intercepts a pass intended for Blake Bell #81 of the Kansas City Chiefs during the second quarter at Gillette Stadium on December 17, 2023 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
Mapu has had a relatively quiet rookie campaign, but made the first big play of his career with an interception against Mahomes in the second quarter. He met Chiefs tight end Blake Bell at the catch point and literally took the ball away. The play momentarily sparked the Patriots, who took their first and only lead of the game off the pick.
DOWN: K Chad Ryland
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – DECEMBER 17: Bryce Baringer #17 and Chad Ryland #37 of the New England Patriots celebrate after Ryland’s field goal during the second quarter against the Kansas City Chiefs at Gillette Stadium on December 17, 2023 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
Ryland is missing kicks for seemingly no reason. He missed a 41-yarder in the first quarter, blowing his chance to score first for New England. He converted a 25-yard kick later in the first half, but ultimately, Ryland needs to be more consistent and efficient.
UP: DT Christian Barmore
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – DECEMBER 17: Christian Barmore #90 of the New England Patriots sacks Patrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs during the second quarter at Gillette Stadium on December 17, 2023 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
Barmore continues to emerge as an every-week difference-maker in his third season. He finished with a sack, two QB hits, two tackles for loss, and six total tackles. Whether or not he’s stuffing the box score, Barmore is making a huge impact up front for the Patriots defense, both making plays on his own and opening up space for others.
DOWN: OT Conor McDermott
Dec 17, 2023; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Bailey Zappe (4) throws a pass against the Kansas City Chiefs in the first quarter at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
McDermott committed a holding penalty that negated a would-be touchdown by Henry, which could have given the Patriots a 14-7 lead. It’s not McDermott’s fault that Trent Brown has been out and thrust him into the starting lineup, but he’s certainly not playing like a good-enough starting left tackle right now.
UP: OG Atonio Mafi
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – DECEMBER 17: Kevin Harris #36 of the New England Patriots celebrates after scoring a rushing touchdown against the Kansas City Chiefs during the fourth quarter at Gillette Stadium on December 17, 2023 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
Running back Kevin Harris can have an honorable mention here, for scoring his first touchdown of the season to momentarily make the game a little interesting in the fourth quarter. But the TD happened thanks to some strong blocking along the offensive line, including Mafi. The rookie played admirably as he filled in for starting left guard Cole Strange, who was carted off with a knee injury in the second quarter.
DOWN: LB Ja’Whaun Bentley
Dec 17, 2023; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; Kansas City Chiefs running back Jerick McKinnon (1) gets tackled by New England Patriots safety Jabrill Peppers (5) during the first half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports
Only three tackles for Bentley, as the Chiefs neutralized him over the middle of the field. Kansas City wasn’t spectacular running the ball, but their backs were able to make a handful of explosive plays both on the ground and through the air. The Pats defense will have a tough time getting off the field if Bentley isn’t making plays.
UP: CB Jonathan Jones
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – DECEMBER 17: Kadarius Toney #19 of the Kansas City Chiefs attempts to catch a pass while Jonathan Jones #31 of the New England Patriots defends during the third quarter at Gillette Stadium on December 17, 2023 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
A quick nod to Jonathan Jones for forcing a fumble in the third quarter, which Jabrill Peppers recovered. The play got wiped out by Austin’s holding penalty, negating what could have been a massive play for the Pats.
Matt Dolloff is a writer and podcaster for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Check out all of Matt’s content.
