Different QB, Same L: New England Patriots' Offense Historically Horrible in Loss to Los Angeles Chargers

Benching Mac Jones for Bailey Zappe made little difference as the New England Patriots' offense again sputtered in a dismal 6-0 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers.

As if we needed another reminder, Sunday's woeful performance at cold, rainy, dreary Gillette Stadium confirmed why the New England Patriots were kicked off Monday Night Football. They remain wholly unwatchable, with an offense that is setting football back almost 100 years. 

Plagued by more injuries, dropped passes and sacks, the Pats with Bailey Zappe looked hideously familiar to the Pats with Mac Jones in a 6-0 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers.

Shut out in Foxboro for the second time this season, the Pats fall to 2-10 to continue their worst season since 1993. Their last three losses have been by scores of 10-6, 10-7 and 6-0, becoming the first team since 1938 to lose three consecutive games despite allowing 10 or less points.

They were also shut out at home, 34-0, by the New Orleans Saints in Week 5.

Neither "Pat Patriot" and the team's throwback uniforms nor Zappe provided chest paddles for an offense that has been dead all season. New England turned to Zappe in favor of the struggling Jones, but after going 2-0 as a starter last season he failed to provide a spark - or points - against L.A.

He finished 13 of 25 for only 141 yards, but was sacked five times and had a perfectly thrown deep pass dropped by second-year receiver Tyquan Thornton at L.A.'s 25-yard line. The Patriots didn't run a single play in the Red Zone.

Said Zappe after the game, “Our defense is playing phenomenal. (The blame) starts with me. I gotta do better.”

Patriots fans at rainy Gillette Stadium were treated to yet another dismal offensive performance in a shutout loss to the Chargers / Getty

Already without leading receivers Kendrick Bourne and Demario Douglas, the Pats lost leading rusher Rhamondre Stevenson to a leg injury in the first quarter.

Since Stevenson's 64-yard run gave them a 14-10, second-quarter lead over the Washington Commanders on Nov. 5, the Patriots have scored only one touchdown in their last 36 drives.

While the defense held the Chargers out of the end zone in miserable conditions, the offense had two late possessions to win the game. But Devante Parker's diving 45-yard diving catch at L.A.'s 20 was ruled when incomplete when his right leg came down out of bounds. And Zappe's fourth-down pass toward tight end Hunter Henry fell incomplete into double-coverage at midfield.

After dropping the long pass in the third quarter, Thornton breathed brief life into New England's offense with a 39-yard reverse run in the fourth. But the Pats couldn't get inside L.A.'s 30 as Zappe was sacked on consecutive plays.

The Patriots began the third quarter with a decent drive to L.A.'s 32 but offensive linemen Sidy Sow, Trent Brown and Michael Onwenu were then badly beaten on consecutive plays, the last two resulting in sacks of Zappe to force a punt.

The first half followed the same, sad script for the Patriots: A gritty defense wasted by a historically horrible offense as New England trailed, 6-0.

They actually moved the ball on their second drive behind Stevenson's running, but he was tackled awkwardly on a carry up the middle at L.A.'s 33-yard and fumbled. It was the last thing the NFL's 31st-ranked offense needed behind Zappe and no playmakers.

The quarterback was off-target, often throwing woefully behind open receivers.

Unwatchable: Once-Proud Patriots Kicked Off Monday Night Football

The Chargers weren't much much better in getting only two field goals by Cameron Dicker, one set up by a 35-yard punt return. But the Pats were characteristically anemic, generating only five first downs while committing three penalties and a turnover.

The highlight of the first half? Rooke Bryce Baringer's 71-yard punt.

The Pats continue their march toward a Top 3 pick in next April's NFL Draft Thursday night when they visit the Pittsburgh Steelers in prime time.

---