The New England Patriots are in serious danger after a disappointing 1-3 start to the 2024 NFL season, with their latest setback being a 30-13 loss to the San Francisco 49ers. In this episode of Missing the Point, hosts Rayshawn Buchanan and Michael Marcangelo leave no stone unturned as they analyze the Patriots' biggest challenges, starting with the struggles of quarterback Jacoby Brissett and the ongoing issues with the offensive line. Is it time for rookie Drake Maye to step in as QB1, or would throwing him into the fire at this point do more harm than good?
We break down Offensive Coordinator Alex Van Pelt’s scheme and discuss why it’s failing to bring out the best in the Patriots’ offense. Plus, we look at key players like Rhamondre Stevenson, who continues to fumble away his opportunities, and Christian Gonzalez, a bright spot in an otherwise inconsistent defense. On the injury front, the Patriots' defense took a significant hit with linebacker Ja’Whaun Bentley ruled out for the rest of the season, placing even more pressure on the young and thin defensive unit.
As the Patriots prepare for their next stretch of games, can the return of key players like wide receiver Kendrick Bourne and offensive lineman Cole Strange help turn things around? Will Joey Slye’s franchise-record 63-yard field goal provide a much-needed morale boost for the team? In this detailed recap, we also offer bold predictions on the Patriots' chances of salvaging the 2024 season and speculate whether Bill Belichick’s team is already looking ahead to the 2025 NFL Draft.
With hard-hitting analysis on everything from the Patriots’ offensive inefficiencies to their defensive standouts, this episode is a must-watch for New England Patriots fans and NFL enthusiasts alike. Stay tuned as we explore if the Patriots can rise to the challenge or if their season is already slipping away.
Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction and Overview of Patriots' 1-3 Start
03:00 - The Offensive Struggles: Jacoby Brissett and the Line's Failures
08:00 - Should Rookie Drake Maye Take Over as QB1?
12:00 - Rhamondre Stevenson’s Fumbling: Why It’s Hurting the Patriots
16:00 - Alex Van Pelt’s Offensive Scheme: Does It Fit the Patriots?
20:00 - Defensive Standout Christian Gonzalez: Is He the Future of the Patriots' Secondary?
25:00 - Ja’Whaun Bentley’s Season-Ending Injury: What It Means for the Defense
30:00 - Kendrick Bourne and Cole Strange: Will Their Return Provide a Boost?
35:00 - Joey Slye’s Record-Breaking 63-Yard Field Goal: A Glimmer of Hope
40:00 - Head Coach Jerod Mayo’s Challenges: Can He Turn the Season Around?
45:00 - Predictions for the Patriots' Upcoming Games
50:00 - Are the Patriots Looking Towards the 2025 NFL Draft?