Patriots struggle in run game and pass protection in loss to Jaguars
New England's offense generated only six rushing yards on 15 carries and allowed multiple quarterback pressures, while defensive lapses contributed to a defeat by Jacksonville.
The New England Patriots were held to six rushing yards on 15 carries in Sunday’s 24-14 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars, highlighting ongoing issues in the ground attack and pass protection. The team’s run game ranked in the 16th percentile for success rate, and the offensive line allowed several pressures, including sacks on quarterback Drake Maye by Elijah Ponder and others.
Maye’s connection with his receivers remained limited. Wide receiver Mack Hollins was the most effective target, completing a 21-yard deep curl and a 13-yard fade, but a taunting penalty forced the Patriots to settle for a field goal instead of attempting a fourth-down conversion. Other receivers, including DeMario Douglas and Romeo Doubs, struggled with timing and route execution, contributing to Maye’s two interceptions.
In the trenches, the Patriots’ right guard position suffered after Mike Onwenu was placed on injured reserve. Replacements Greg Van Roten and Walter Rouse combined for six pressures and were involved in three stuffed runs, with Van Roten exiting the game due to a thigh injury. Right tackle Morgan Moses allowed three pressures and a holding penalty that erased a rushing touchdown.
Defensively, New England gave up two third-down conversions inside the red zone, including a 13-yard gain by Kevin Byard and a goal-line touchdown by Washington after a missed tackle by cornerback Marcus Jones. Nose tackle performance remained a concern, as the Jaguars successfully ran the ball against the interior line on multiple occasions.
Edge rusher Gabe Jacas recorded three pressures and two run stuffs, while Elijah Ponder contributed three pressures but also allowed a touchdown in coverage. Linebacker Christian Elliss emerged as a strong pass-rusher with two pressures and a key run stop. Safety Jaylen Reed, filling in for Craig Woodson, mixed a tipped pass that led to an interception with missed tackles in the flat.
Overall, the Patriots posted a 41.4% pressure rate on Maye and a 31.3% pressure rate on Jacksonville’s quarterback, underscoring protection woes on both sides of the ball.