FOXBORO — There was no silver lining in defeat for the Patriots, no lasting positives, particularly for the offense. There was only a unhealthy style and an ominous feeling that lingered lengthy after the Patriots left the sector.
Losing 37-26 to the Ravens was one factor. But there have been additionally the self-inflicted wounds that killed any hope of beating Lamar Jackson & Co.
The 4 turnovers, three approaching the ultimate three drives within the fourth quarter with the sport within the steadiness, shot down any progress that was made to that time.
But worst of all, quarterback Mac Jones hopped off the sector on one leg, in apparent ache, after taking successful from Calais Campbell.
Jones, who was picked off for the third time within the recreation on the play, went straight to the locker room, and didn’t handle the media. It regarded prefer it could be an ankle, however the workforce is asking it a “leg injury.”
The Athletic reported X-rays taken of Jones’ left ankle got here again damaging. The outlet additionally reported that Jones can have an MRI on Monday to find out the extent of his damage.
Whatever the case, this flip of occasions leaves each the Patriots and offense fully unsettled, and it’s nonetheless September.
So between the great, unhealthy, and ugly issues that occurred, it was powerful for anybody to know the best way to really feel, notably the gamers.
“There’s a lot of things going on, obviously. We would have loved to come out here and win today,” mentioned working again Damien Harris. “We got that in the back of our minds, and what happened with Mac was an unfortunate situation and a couple of other guys got banged up in the game, so when you put it all together, obviously, it’s not a good feeling walking off the field with a loss and a couple of guys getting hurt.”
It’s not an excellent feeling, even after huge receiver DeVante Parker caught 5 balls for 156 yards, as he lastly got here to life with Jones delivering a number of lengthy throws that Parker retrieved for giant performs.
Jones, himself, confirmed unimaginable toughness, and an inside struggle, taking a web page out of Jackson’s playbook working for first downs, and moving into the tip zone on a rugged three-yard run to assist hold the Patriots within the recreation.
But his errors – three picks – had been absolute killers. Along with hitting Parker, Jones continues to hit the opponents due to forcing the ball in Parker’s path when he’s coated. So no matter he achieved with Parker, was additionally thrown out the window.
And now the damage.
The gamers all claimed they didn’t know the extent of it. Patriots head coach Bill Belichick claimed the identical. So now there’s simply loads of uncertainty of how unhealthy it’s, together with the opportunity of having a future with Brian Hoyer beneath middle.
“It’s tough,” mentioned Harris. “You by no means wish to see your quarterback go down like that … everybody is aware of how tight me and Mac are, so it’s positively not one thing any of us wish to see.
“But Mac’s a tough kid. We all know whatever’s going on, he’s going to do his best to get back on the field.”
Harris acknowledged he had spoken with Jones for a bit after the sport, however didn’t share any particulars.
“We’re going to stay together. We’re going to stay positive,” mentioned Harris, “and we’re going to come back in here ready to work next week.”
Most of the work ought to contain ball safety, as Nelson Agholor couldn’t maintain onto the soccer for the second time this season at a key juncture of the sport.
On Sunday, Agholor’s miscue got here with 5:45 left within the recreation, with the Pats trailing by 5. Jones hit him over the center, and Agholor took off for a 28-yard achieve, solely he didn’t sense a defender behind him, as Ravens linebacker Kyle Hamilton punched the ball out, with Marcus Peters recovering.
“That was tough. The most important thing is ball security. That loses games and I had an opportunity at the end to make a play and it could have been a big play” mentioned Agholor.
“At the end of the day, a guy comes out of nowhere and makes a good play … you have to make sure you are holding it secure enough where no one can dislodge it.”
It was a devastating mistake. So had been the interceptions thrown by Jones, who completed the day 22 of 32 for 321 yards with the three killer picks.
The blunders additionally spoiled a pleasant afternoon from rising star Rhamondre Stevenson, who gained 73 yards on 12 carries (6.1 yards per carry) with a landing.
“The easiest way to stop yourself is by turning the ball over,” mentioned Harris. “We just can’t do that. We can’t do that at the end of the game, we just can’t do that at any point in the game.”
So now, all eyes shall be on Jones, and his well being. And if Jones can’t play, Hoyer will step in, and see if he can do any higher.
Once once more, Belichick was extra concerned, with extra one-on-one contact with Jones after every sequence, whereas Matt Patricia continued to name the performs.
There was enchancment by way of exploiting the susceptible areas of the Ravens protection, including in additional movement, play-action, and the play-calling general, nevertheless it nonetheless wasn’t ok.
Jones’ standing merely clouds the image much more.
“There’s nothing we can do. See what it is. Especially when it happens at the end of the game, no one knows,” mentioned defensive captain Devin McCourty. “Obviously key player, key part of what we do. Have to evaluate and see what it is.”
Source: www.bostonherald.com