The New England Patriots and San Francisco 49ers met on Sunday afternoon at Levi's Stadium, and Jerod Mayo's team was handed a 30-13 loss.
New England now sits at 1-3 through the first four games of their 2024 campaign, and it's not exactly shocking. There's just a lack of talent on the roster that is impacting the two major phases of the game.
As we continue to soak in this result, let's discuss what we learned from the Patriots' performance in Week 4.
The offensive line is unwatchable
New England had to start Demontrey Jacobs at left tackle on Sunday, making it four different left tackles to start in four weeks.
And, while they did get left guard Sidy Sow back for his first game this season, they lost center David Andrews and offensive tackle Caedan Wallace to injuries.
The group didn't protect their quarterback (leading to six sacks and endless pressures) and couldn't provide any holes for the rushing attack (the backs averaged just 3.2 yards per attempt).
If things aren't good up front, the offense can't function, and we've seen that through four weeks.
Injuries are becoming an issue
As previously mentioned, Andrews and Wallace left this game with injuries and didn't return to action. Safety Kyle Dugger also suffered an injury and never went back in.
New England has had too many key players suffer injuries this early in this season. Their starting talent already wasn't great, so having their backups and third-string players getting regular opportunities is far from ideal.
Special teams are New England's best phase
After years of horrendous play under Cameron Achord, the punting and kicking units look much better with Jeremy Springer in charge in 2024.
Kicker Joey Slye nailed his two field goal attempts from 54 and 63 yards out, which was a franchise record (the previous record was 62 yards set by Stephen Gostkowski in 2017 in Mexico City).
Bryce Baringer also boomed four punts for an average of 49 yards and all four were downed inside the 20-yard line.
The defense isn't what we expected
Coming into 2024, many believed the Patriots' defense, now led by first-time coordinator DeMarcus Covington, would be among the best units in the league.
However, that has been far from the case.
New England's defense allowed Brock Purdy to throw for 288 yards and a touchdown. Their lone interception came on an ill-advised throw into double coverage.
They also continuously allowed Purdy to break containment and make throws outside the pocket or scramble.
Against the run, they were unable to stop Jordan Mason, who rushed for 123 yards and a score on 5.1 yards per attempt. There were simply too many times when he was able to go 5-10 yards before getting touched for the first time.
Covington's group still has some bright spots, but they're not close to a top unit in football right now.
MORE PATRIOTS NEWS
Instant analysis of Patriots third loss in a row
Patriots offensive tackle Caedan Wallace injury update
Patriots center David Andrews injury update
Tom Brady fires back at Baker Mayfield, Buccaneers
