Coming out of the Patriots’ mini bye, let’s take a look at who’s up, who’s down, and whom to watch against the Dolphins in Week 8:
Three up
Running back Rhamondre Stevenson: Stevenson had a career high in receiving yards in the 30-24 loss in Chicago on Thursday, with a team-high 93. He caught all five of his targets, including one that resulted in an improbable 48-yard touchdown to give the Patriots a much-needed boost at the end of the first half.
Stevenson also showed his mettle as a pass protector, consistently giving Drake Maye extra time to operate in the pocket. Even though New England’s run game has struggled — the backs combined for just 44 rushing yards Thursday — Stevenson is clearly an integral, versatile, and productive part of the offense.
Quarterback Drake Maye: Yes, Maye threw a bad, game-altering interception in the end zone, but his mistakes didn’t snowball after the second-quarter turnover. The Patriots still had chances to win the game because of Maye’s poise and ability to navigate pressure.
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According to the NFL’s Next Gen Stats, the Bears pressured Maye on 42.9 percent of his dropbacks — and, on those plays, he completed 11 of his 12 passes (91.7 percent) for 151 yards and a touchdown. That stat line is encouraging, even in the losing effort, because of how much pressure has previously affected Maye’s performance.
Tight ends Hunter Henry and Eli Raridon: On a night when the wide receivers combined for seven receptions, Henry caught all seven of his targets for 71 yards and Raridon caught three of four for 56 yards and a touchdown. Blocking is neither player’s strong suit, but both proved to be reliable outlets for Maye.
Raridon’s contributions and chemistry with Maye has been promising. Given offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels’s history with two-tight end sets, and the Patriots’ injuries at wide receiver, it would not be surprising to see Raridon’s routes continue to increase.
Related: There are NFL quarterbacks who need to prove themselves this season. Who is doing that, and who isn’t?
Three down
Cornerback Marcus Jones: Tackling was problematic all night, with Jones being one of the top offenders.
On Chicago’s first offensive play, Jones couldn’t bring down wide receiver Luther Burden III, who ran for another 10 yards. That play featured one of Jones’s team-high six missed tackles. He couldn’t wrap up running back D’Andre Swift on multiple occasions, nor could he stop tight end Colston Loveland on his 12-yard touchdown catch. The size and physicality of the Bears proved to be too much for the 5-foot-8-inch Jones.
Wide receiver A.J. Brown: After a dud in his first game back off of injured reserve, Brown didn’t have much of a bounceback. He caught just three of his six targets for 48 yards.
Brown’s ankle hasn’t limited his workload, as he’s played 83 percent of the offense’s snaps in the past two games. But his production has left much to be desired.
On top of not hauling in the ball on catchable passes, he doesn’t appear to give 100 percent effort as a run-blocker. Perhaps Sunday’s game against the bottom-dwelling Dolphins will provide a get-right opportunity.
The Patriots' offensive line allowed two sacks and was flagged for four penalties in the loss to the Bears on Thursday.
The Patriots' offensive line allowed two sacks and was flagged for four penalties in the loss to the Bears on Thursday.
Offensive line penalties: The makeshift unit held up better than expected in pass protection, but committed four penalties. Left guard Walter Rouse was flagged for offensive holding on the third play of the game. Right tackle Morgan Moses, the team’s most penalized player, was flagged for holding in the third quarter. Left tackle Will Campbell committed a false start on a critical third and 1 at midfield. Two plays later, right guard Matt Pryor then committed a false start to send the offense off the field.
Related: The Patriots are far from perfect, but who they’ve been lately — tough, smart, and playoff quality — is real
Three to watch
Guard Greg Van Roten: After suffering a thigh injury in Week 3, Van Roten is eligible to be activated off injured reserve. The Patriots could use reinforcements at guard, with their two starters, Mike Onwenu (ankle) and Alijah Vera-Tucker (hamstring), on injured reserve. But they can designate only eight players to be activated off IR during the regular season, so they have to use those spots judiciously.
Tackle Marcus Bryant: Bryant, who opened the season on injured reserve, returned to practice ahead of the game against the Jets in Week 6. He was a full participant in practice last week but was not activated to the 53-man roster. (That Moses was able to play, despite his foot injury, probably lessened the urgency.) The Patriots have until Nov. 4 to activate Bryant, otherwise, his season will be over.
Trade deadline: The Patriots could be on the market for roster upgrades ahead of the league’s Nov. 10 trade deadline. They could address a number of positions, including interior offensive line, wide receiver, defensive tackle, linebacker, and edge rusher.