The New England Patriots Week 1 loss was marked by several factors, but Drake Maye’s underwhelming performance and Josh McDaniels’ poor play-calling were the biggest contributors. They fell to the Seattle Seahawks 13-10 after leading 10-3 entering the fourth quarter.
The Patriots’ lack of offensive production continues to leave questions unanswered after a troublesome playoff performance. Now, their season-opening performance provides even more causes for concern. With the game in the rearview mirror, here is how Maye and McDaniels cost New England a victory in the season opener.
In the Super Bowl last season, many of Maye’s mistakes could be attributed to the lack of talent around him. He faced pressure in the pocket consistently, as the New England offensive line allowed seven sacks and 18 pressures. The Patriots’ wide receivers also struggled to create separation frequently and get open against the Seahawks’ secondary.
In the Patriots’ Week 1 loss, those same issues weren’t present. With the game well within reach throughout the fourth quarter, Maye began to unnecessarily force the ball into tight windows. His forced throws cost New England their last three drives, as they all ended in interceptions.
Maye’s recklessness in the fourth quarter didn’t go unnoticed, as he acknowledge it after the game. During the post-game press conference, he admitted that he got restless, which led to his three untimely interceptions.
“I just stopped being patient,” said Maye. “We were really good up to the point where I forced one down the sideline to Romeo. We were patient. Dumping it off and moving the chains. We avoided a lot of three-and-outs. That was something we tried to earn more plays, and explosive [plays] would come. Just stopped being patient and made decisions that ended up costing us the game.”
The improvements to New England’s offense were showcased against the Seahawks. The left side of the O-line held up much more than it did in the Super Bowl. Will Campbell, who struggled in the playoffs last season, only allowed one sack and one pressure in Week 1.
Some of the Patriots’ additions to their offense also paid off against Seattle. A.J. Brown helped move the chains by catching two passes for first downs and drawing a Defensive Pass Interference penalty that set up a touchdown.
Considering the score and the advancements around him, Maye did not have to make big plays by himself. With it being a one-score game late, he should have managed the offense by taking what the defense gave him. If he had done so, the Patriots would have had an opportunity to win the game or go to overtime.
The New England head coach, Mike Vrabel, took note of the offense being too bold late. During his post-game press conference, he reiterated that the team’s aggression turned to irresponsible play and that it was a team mistake.
“I mean, we’re trying to be aggressive and obviously win the football game, but not reckless,” said Vrabel. “You don’t get any do-overs, but we’ll have to learn from it and, you know, stick together. Never just about one guy. I think everybody knows that”.
The Patriots’ Week 1 loss was a result of their offensive carelessness late in the game. Two of Maye’s interceptions came when the team was in scoring position, costing them at least six potential points. With the offense showing enough improvement to keep the game in reach, Maye’s decision-making was ultimately too risky.
In the Patriots’ Week 1 loss, offensive coordinator McDaniels repeated offensive play-calling tactics that got him criticized last season. Throughout the Super Bowl rematch against the Seahawks, McDaniels called runs on first downs when they weren’t productive. This often put New England in a hole, which forced them to battle out of 2nd-and-long situations.
McDaniels called runs on 16 of New England’s first downs. On those plays, they had a success rate of only 24%. The Patriots’ running backs, Rhamondre Stevenson and Corey Kiner, combined for 62 rushing yards on 24 carries.
New England’s runs on first down caused them to face 10 second-and-longs (more than seven yards). They also saw four first down runs that either gained no yards or lost yards on the play.
The Patriots’ rushing struggles were also prevalent during the Super Bowl against Seattle. Stevenson and TreVeyon Henderson combined for 42 yards on 13 attempts with a YPC (Yards Per Carry) of 3.2.
Given that New England struggled to run the ball and added two new WRs on offense in the offseason, it sparked questions that McDaniels would continue to rely on runs. Maye was efficient when throwing the ball in the first half, as he completed 10 of 12 attempts for 66 yards and a TD.
McDaniels’ contentious play calling played a major role in the Patriots’ Week 1 loss. After building a lead, New England needed to continue the quick passing attack rather than relying on an inefficient ground game. Instead, the conservative approach allowed the Seahawks to stay within striking distance and later come back.
The Patriots’ lack of offensive consistency was the largest factor in their Week 1 defeat. Maye played too recklessly late in the game, giving the ball away three times and losing potential scoring opportunities. McDaniels focused too much on the run and allowed Seattle to creep back into the game.
With Maye being too aggressive and McDaniels being too conservative, the offense lacked the right balance to win. New England added players to improve their offensive gaps, but Maye and McDaniel need to learn how to engage the offense.
While there will be much frustration after this loss, it’s too early to start grabbing pitchforks and torches. It’s only Week 1, and the Seahawks are a tough team, even with their injuries. Next week the Patriots play the Pittsburgh Steelers, so New England will have a chance to prove they’ve adjusted from this defeat.
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