New England Patriots-Kansas City Chiefs Notebook: Miscues, Misreads, Mahomes

The New England Patriots failure to play complementary football for two halves led to their 11th loss of the season against the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 15.

FOXBORO — In the immortal words of The Beatles, the New England Patriots “Long and Winding Road” — otherwise known as their 2023 season — is mercifully getting closer to its end. 

New England (3-11) lost for the sixth time in seven games on Sunday, dropping their Week 15 matchup 21-17 to the Kansas City Chiefs. 

In what may prove to be the penultimate home game of Bill Belichick’s 24-year tenure as head coach, the Pats once again showed some first-half promise by jumping out to a 10-7 lead in the second quarter. However, they allowed 20 straight points to the defending Super Bowl champs, before tacking on an additional touchdown in the closing moments of the fourth quarter. 

If there was a silver lining to be found in the cloud-covered skies of southern New England on Sunday, it was the Carolina Panthers 9-7 victory over the Atlanta Falcons —  which moved the Pats just one game back in the race for the No. 1 overall draft pick.

Still, Sunday’s performance made it abundantly evident that New England’s problems run far deeper than a simple change either at quarterback or coach could solve in a single offseason. In that vein, here is a deeper look at the Week 15 action from Foxboro. 

Bailey Zappe’s Second-Half Invisibility; Problems with Pressure

Bailey Zappe has proven himself to be quite an effective first-half quarterback. Building off a three-touchdown performance against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 14, the Pats second-year signal-caller continued his blueprint for success against the Chiefs on Sunday. The Western Kentucky product completed 17 of 19 passes for 141 yards and an impressive 16-yard touchdown to tight end Hunter Henry — finding the Pats leader in touchdown receptions (six) on a corner route in the end zone. 

However, the Pats initial-half success did not last into the second act. Zappe completed a mere five passes for 39 yards and one interception, which Chiefs’ defensive back Willie Gay ran back 24 yards to the New England 7. Two plays later, Kansas City quarterback Patrick Mahomes completed a rising rocket to running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire in the back of the end zone to give the Chiefs a 24-10 lead.

Overall, Zappe went 23-of-31 for 180 yards in Week 15. While the Pats 2024 fourth-rounder has proven himself to be better playmaker than his predecessor, Mac Jones, he must improve his processing time to be an effective starter.  Zappe was sacked four times, while finding himself under pressure on 37.1 percent of his drop-back. Per Patriots.com, the Chiefs generated pressure on eight of their 14 blitzes, with three of Zappe’s absorbed sacks coming under duress. While injuries along the offensive line played a significant role in his difficulties, the Pats quarterback has work to do in developing his skills both before and after the snap. 

New England Patriots quarterback Bailey Zappe (4) on the move in the pocket during the second half against the Kansas City Chiefs at Gillette Stadium / Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports

Barmore, Mapu Stand Out on Defense 

Once again, Barmore made a convincing case as the Patriots’ top defensive player of the season. Hi finished the game with one sack, four quarterback pressures, and led the Pats’ defense with two run stuffs. His ability to push the pocket and take a stand against the run continues to keep him among the team’s premier defenders. The Alabama product plays with good leverage and is strong enough to take on double-teams. He locates the ball quickly, chases with good effort and has excellent range for his size. Barmore has also demonstrated quick hands, which has made him effective in both stuffing the run and challenging the passer.

Still, another young defender earned arguably the play of the day when intercepting Mahomes on first-and-10 with just over seven minutes in the second quarter. With the game tied at seven, rookie hybrid Marte Mapu appeared to read Mahomes’ look and jumped on the check down. Mapu demonstrated his versatility and penchant for finding the football from the second level of the defense. Should he continue to align as a hybrid linebacker/safety, Mapu will have a bright future in Foxboro for several years to come. 

Special Teams Breakdowns Continue

New England’s special teams woes continued in Week 15, with untimely miscues derailing potentially productive moments for the team’s struggling offense. On the Pats opening kickoff, Brendan Schooler negated what would have been a 46-yard return by receiver/returner Jalen Reagor by committing a holding penalty. It was the core special teamer’s fifth penalty of the season. 

On their ensuing offensive drive, rookie Chad Ryland missed a 41-yard field goal which sailed wide and to the left.  The Eastern Michigan product has now made only 13 of 20 attempts this season, with five of his seven misses coming from less than 49 yards. While Ryland later connected on a 25-yarder to give the Pats a 10-7 lead, his issues with consistency have led to understandable hesitation in trusting him to make kicks when needed most. 

Decimated By Injuries

Despite the attempts of the agenda-driven to dismiss injuries to four key players as an “excuse,” those viewing this game with an objective lens cannot ignore their impact. Patriots starting left tackle Cole Strange injured his knee early in the second quarter and was taken off on a cart only to be ruled out a few minutes later. Strange was replaced by rookie Atonio Mafi who understandably struggled to contain Kansas City All-Pro defensive tackle Chris Jones on several occasions.

Veteran cornerback Jonathan Jones saw reduced action while battling through a knee injury. The Pats were already thin at cornerback with the absence of J.C. Jackson, and Shaun Wade being declared inactive. Rookie Alex Austin and veteran slot corner Myles Bryant were the only two healthy corners on the Pats roster against a potent Chiefs passing game.

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Left tackle Conor McDermott, who was playing in place of the injured Trent Brown, left the game with a head injury in the second half and did not return. Swing option Vederian Lowe replaced McDermott in the lineup for the remainder of the game. 

Lastly, tight end Hunter Henry — who led the team with seven catches for 66 yards and the aforementioned touchdown — left the game with a knee injury at the start of the fourth quarter and did not return. As a result, Zappe was without his most reliable pass-catching target in the Patriots final offensive drive, which they turned over on downs. 

Up Next: 

The Pats will travel west to the Rockies for a Christmas Eve (Dec. 24) matchup with the Denver Broncos (7-7) at Empower Field at Mile High. 

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