PATRIOTS STRUGGLES CONTINUE IN OVERTIME LOSS TO PACKERS

 by: Josh Nawoichik

Bailey Zappe got his surprise NFL debut in the 27-24 loss to Aaron Rodgers and the Packers. Brian Hoyer played the first two drives for the Patriots and even scored a field goal on the opening drive, but Bellichek had enough and wanted to try out their 4th round draft pick. Zappe threw for only 99 yards in the contest, along with a touchdown pass to Davonte Parker in the 3rd quarter. 

Rodgers threw two touchdowns, both coming in the second half, and led an overtime drive ending in a Mason Crosby field goal to win the game. Rodgers had another poor start to the season after getting blown out in the first game; a very similar story compared to last year. This is now their third straight win, and it seems like each game Rodgers is gelling more and more with his receiving core. One of his touchdowns was caught by what seems to be his new favorite target in Romeo Doubs. 

“I told him after the game, I’m going to keep coming to you”, Rodgers said. “I’m proud of you.”

If hearing that from Aaron Rodgers doesnt bring enlightenment to Doubs than who knows what does. Doubs has caught touchdowns in his last two games and we should expect more output from him in the coming games. 

It has been a while since we have seen the Patriots on the bottom of the AFC East but they will have some key opportunities to put that look behind them with the next couple of games being against teams with bad records as well. Next week they will face off at home against the Lions which will not be as easy as theyre used to. The Lions are a well put together team that will put up a fight. Fans can expect a gritty game that is almost a must win if the Patriots want to make the playoffs. 

The second half of the Patriots schedule includes the Bills twice, Minnesota, Arizona, Las Vegas, the Dolphins hopefully with Tua, and Cincinnati. Those are all playoff contending teams and will make it extremely difficult to make the playoffs if the Patriots cannot win the next few games. With Mac Jones probably being out for a few weeks this is a difficult task.