The New England Patriots are 1-3 on the 2024 season after a 30-13 loss to the San Francisco 49ers. Here’s who we graded UP or DOWN from the game…
DOWN: RB Rhamondre Stevenson
Stevenson’s fumble, his fourth in as many games and second in a row lost to the other team, set a horrible tone for an offense that can’t afford to give the ball away. He finished with only 3.3 yards per carry, and while he wasn’t straight-up benched, the Pats got their other backs more work amid Stevenson’s ball security crisis.
It’s as simple as this: Stevenson needs to hold onto the ball. It’s wildly concerning that he didn’t learn his lesson last week. He deserved to sit for the rest of the game after his fumble today, but the Patriots can’t really afford to go without their most explosive skill player.
UP: K Joey Slye
Slye set a new career-best mark with a 63-yard field goal and also hit a 54-yarder. Lost in the chaos of the Patriots’ offensive struggles, injuries, and coaching issues, is that they’ve found stability at the kicker position again. Slye is one player we’re not worried about at this stage of the season.
DOWN: QB Jacoby Brissett
Sep 29, 2024; Santa Clara, California, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Jacoby Brissett (7) passes the football against the San Francisco 49ers during the first quarter at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Neville E. Guard-Imagn Images
Brissett threw his first interception of the season, and it was an UGLY one. Despite having two open receivers crossing to the right, Brissett kept his eyes locked over the middle of the field and didn’t see “Mike” linebacker Fred Warner, who came down with the interception, got back up, and ran it all the way back for a pick-six.
For now, the Patriots are sticking with Brissett as their starting quarterback, as they commit to staying patient with rookie Drake Maye. If they have any hope of winning games with Brissett, they’re going to need him to, at the very least, take care of the ball.
UP: P Bryce Baringer
SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA – SEPTEMBER 29: Brock Purdy #13 of the San Francisco 49ers and Bryce Baringer #17 of the New England Patriots meet after the 49ers beat the Patriots 30-13 at Levi’s Stadium on September 29, 2024 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
Another great game for Baringer, arguably his best yet. A 49-yard average with a long of 61, four times pinned inside the 20, and no touchbacks. The Patriots are doing well with field position this season, thanks to Baringer. If only the defense could help him out a bit…
DOWN: Offensive line
SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA – SEPTEMBER 29: Jacoby Brissett #7 of the New England Patriots throws a pass in the second quarter against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium on September 29, 2024 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
It’s not fair to single out left tackle Demontrey Jacobs. Left guard Sidy Sow was in his first game back from injury. Nick Leverett is a backup center. Layden Robinson is a fourth-round rookie. Mike Onwenu is playing out of position. We’re at the point that there’s no need to even mention the O-line, because we know it’s going to be a detriment on Sundays.
This is not just a failure of the players on the field though. In fact, it’s an even bigger failure of Eliot Wolf and the front office to assemble this group the way they have. It now feels like it’s going to torpedo the whole season.
UP: CB/PR Marcus Jones
SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA – SEPTEMBER 29: Jauan Jennings #15 of the San Francisco 49ers attempts to make a catch while being defended by Marcus Jones #25 of the New England Patriots in the first quarter at Levi’s Stadium on September 29, 2024 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
Two tackles on defense, and three punt returns for an average of 13 yards for Jones. It’s starting to feel like Jones’ rookie year in 2022, when they needed him to break off a big play with the ball in his hands in order to score. He’s a little limited by his size as a cornerback, but Jones showed off his explosiveness in this game.
