The New England Patriots finished their 2024 season with a 4-13 record after falling to the New York Jets at Gillette Stadium. Here are seven players (and a coach) we graded UP or DOWN from the game…
DOWN: QB Bailey Zappe
Jan 7, 2024; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Bailey Zappe (4) throws a pass against the New York Jets in the first quarter at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
Zappe had some solid performances as the Patriots’ starting quarterback, and may have done enough to push Mac Jones out the door and solidify a roster spot for 2024 training camp. But his last two games of 2023, he’d like to forget.
Granted, it was snowy and sloppy throughout the game against the Jets on Sunday. It was not conducive to throwing the football. But Zappe doesn’t have much of an excuse for an atrocious 9-of-26 passing performance that was largely the result of his own inaccuracy and bad timing. He also couldn’t avoid turnovers by the end of the game, as he threw two late interceptions – on the same drive, since the first was then fumbled and recovered by the Pats. But both came with the Pats still alive with the score at 9-3, and the second one stayed with the Jets.
It’s obvious at that point that Zappe, while possessing legitimate confidence, solid pocket poise, and decent playmaking ability with his arm, is not going to be a good starter at the NFL level. He could be an excellent backup for the Patriots or another NFL team, if he’s willing to stay humble and accept that role. Ideally, that’s what he is once again in 2024.
UP: RB Ezekiel Elliott
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – JANUARY 07: Ezekiel Elliott #15 of the New England Patriots carries the ball, defended by Sauce Gardner #1 of the New York Jets in the second quarter during a game at Gillette Stadium on January 07, 2024 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Billie Weiss/Getty Images)
An admirable finish to the season for Zeke. He rushed for 4.2 yards per carry, added five catches for 27 yards, and protected the ball, which was of course paramount on a day like Sunday with the snow. He’ll be a free agent after the season, and should be able to land another one-year deal, whether it’s in New England or elsewhere.
DOWN: CB Shaun Wade
Dec 24, 2022; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots cornerback Shaun Wade (26) warms up before the start of a game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports
Wade was in coverage on a 30-yard catch by Garrett Wilson, and again on an 11-yard catch by Breece Hall. Both plays led to points for the Jets. Amid numerous injuries at cornerback, Wade got his first real opportunity for legit playing time for the Patriots, and didn’t really make much of it. He’s under contract for 2024, though.
UP: WR Jalen Reagor
Jan 7, 2024; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots wide receiver Jalen Reagor (83) reacts after his catch against the New York Jets in the first half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
Reagor all of a sudden started to make big plays for the Patriots down the stretch, after Zappe stepped in as the starting quarterback. He only caught 1-of-6 targets on Sunday, but the one reception went for 33 yards and set up the Pats’ only points of the game. Reagor should be a candidate to re-sign with the Pats in the off-season, if only on a futures contract.
DOWN: P Bryce Baringer
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – JANUARY 07: Bryce Baringer #17 of the New England Patriots and Chad Ryland #37 of the New England Patriots celebrate after a field goal in the second quarter at Gillette Stadium on January 07, 2024 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Billie Weiss/Getty Images)
Baringer had a busy day, and wasn’t totally sharp. He had a 37-yard shank that set up an eventual Jets field goal. Baringer overall had a solid year and should be locked in as the punter for 2024 and beyond, but clearly had trouble with the snow on Sunday. That’s something he’ll have to overcome as a punter.
UP: DT Christian Barmore
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – JANUARY 07: Christian Barmore #90 of the New England Patriots tackles Breece Hall #20 of the New York Jets in the second half during a game at Gillette Stadium on January 07, 2024 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Winslow Townson/Getty Images)
Barmore once again was the straw that stirred the drink on defense. He tied for the team lead with 10 tackles, and also had a QB hit and two tackles for loss. Barmore emerged as an every-week force in 2023, arguably the most promising development in an otherwise terrible season. The Patriots really need to sign him long-term, because they can’t afford to lose a home run draft pick after the way their drafts have gone in recent years.
DOWN: HC Bill Belichick
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – JANUARY 07: New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick looks on in the first half at Gillette Stadium on January 07, 2024 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Winslow Townson/Getty Images)
Apologies if this one is a bit crass. But Belichick may have coached his final game for the Patriots, and it would be ironic if it ended with a loss to the hated Jets on his home field. Belichick is and will always be the greatest coach in Patriots history, but this was arguably his worst season in five decades of work in the NFL. He’s down today because he may be on his way out of New England.
UP: ST Matthew Slater
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – JANUARY 07: Matthew Slater #18 of the New England Patriots and CEO of the New England Patriots Robert Kraft speak before the game at Gillette Stadium on January 07, 2024 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Winslow Townson/Getty Images)
On the other hand, Slater gets an UP because Sunday appears to have been his final NFL game. He’s going out celebrating one of the greatest special teams careers in the history of the league. Slater’s career spans 239 games and two First Team All-Pro selections as a special teamer. That may earn him consideration for enshrinement in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Congratulations to him on a great career.
