2. Pass protection and run defense breaks down
The Pats’ problems grew in the late first quarter, with the Packers putting together a scoring drive that was aided by a 15-yard personal foul on Sam Roberts for a late hit on quarterback Jordan Love and a 42-yard sideline throw to Romeo Doubs that was initially ruled incomplete. The Packers finished off the drive with Love hitting rookie Jayden Reed on a crosser for a touchdown, beating Shaun Wade across the field. Wade had a solid two practices but was victimized by an excellent throw by Love.
Again it was up and down for the Patriots offense. The good, Mac Jones converted two third downs, showing poise under pressure on the money down. The first came with Mac getting the ball out quickly in the face of pressure, finding Pop Douglas to convert a 3rd-and-10, then Mac and Kendrick Bourne again connected for a 17-yard gain on 3rd-and-8.
But those quality conversions were all for not when left tackle Andrew Stueber was beaten off the edge by Kingsley Enagbare, who hit Mac and forced a fumble that Green Bay recovered. The Packers then cut through the Patriots defense in eight plays, going 57 yards for the touchdown with five first downs along the way.
The Patriots run defense was especially troubling early in the game with many starters in the game, as Green Bay put up 78 yards on the ground with a 5.2 yards-per-attempt average through their first four possessions. Josh Bledsoe and Josh Uche appeared to lose the edge on Patrick Taylor’s eight-yard touchdown run.
Situational defense was again a problem as well, as the Pats allowed a field goal on the final drive of the first half. It came on eight plays, over 57 yards, with 23 of them coming on a tough pass interference call on Christian Gonzalez. Gonzalez was in phase with the receiver but an underthrown ball helped initiate enough contact for the yellow flag to come flying in. Last week against the Texans featured a similar problem to end the first half.
Gonzalez continues to acquire valuable experience. He had a solid third-down tackle that forced a punt and even on his pass interference penalty, showed impressive recovery skills to get back into coverage after initially squatting on what he thought was an underneath route. It will be a process for the rookie, but he’s making strides every time he takes the field.