The New England Patriots fell to 3-11 at the hands of the Kansas City Chiefs, but for a second straight week, their offense looked competent.
The issue is they lack the talent across the board on offense, and they are without key stars on defense due to injuries. But they did manage to hang in there with the defending Super Bowl champions in a 27-17 loss.
Whether Bill O’Brien has turned a corner with his play-calling, or if the change at quarterback sparked players to buy in on offense, there seems to be better execution overall. It also helps when the quarterback isn’t making terrible decisions every play and running the offense as designed.
Regardless, this week had some bright spots, despite the loss. Here are the three stars of the game for the Patriots:
First Star: Christian Barmore
Christian Barmore gave issues to the Chiefs’ interior pass protection all game long and was able to notch a sack in the process. His continued success and improved health has aided in his upward trajectory thus far, and this week, it was no different against really elite interior pass protection for the Chiefs with Joe Thuney, Creed Humphrey and Trey Smith.
Barmore handled double teams well and was able to sniff out run plays consistently. The Patriots will continue to evaluate where they go next in the coming weeks, but it is clear that Barmore is in for a payday this offseason as he becomes extension eligible.
Second Star: Hunter Henry
Hunter Henry has been a security blanket for Bailey Zappe since the switch at quarterback was made. Henry has looked good all season, but his production has increased at times when Zappe is leading the offense.
DeVante Parker has similar production, which leads many to believe that the offense as designed might not be the entire problem. Although there is a clear talent upgrade that should happen across the board, the players aren’t this bad.
Henry finished with seven receptions, 66 yards and a touchdown on the day and is making a case for himself to be a team’s go-to tight end, whether that’s with the 2024 Patriots or somewhere else.
You have to feel for Henry, as the disarray has been truly hard on him and any other skilled weapon in the Patriots offense to have any sort of production. All of the struggles can’t simply be pinned on the skill players alone.
It feels like this season came down more to a combination of skill players underperforming, disappointing quarterback play, questionable coaching and overall low locker room morale.
Third Star: Jabrill Peppers
Jabrill Peppers has had himself a season this year, and he continues to be one of the Patriots’ two consistent stars on defense, along with Christian Barmore. Peppers was all over the field Sunday, and he had a turnover that was negated by a poor officiating decision in favor of the Chiefs.
He seems to find the ball wherever it may be and has an infectious energy about him that will be important to a new regime. It feels likely that the Belichick defense could stay intact if Jerod Mayo is the new head coach, but I don’t see even new coaches wanting a complete overhaul of the team, as the defense isn’t the issue.
Regardless, Peppers is a new mainstay for this defense as both a playmaker and leader.
