Patriots Power Rankings Roundup: Where New England Landed After Week 7 image
Patriots Power Rankings Roundup: Where New England Landed After Week 7 image
The Patriots fought back after facing an early 10-0 deficit against the Bears, but they ultimately fell to Chicago on Thursday night.
That Week 7 loss dropped New England to 4-3 this season, though there was one positive note for Pats fans. Drake Maye's impressive run continued, as he threw for 321 yards with two passing touchdowns and one rushing touchdown.
While Mike Vrabel would certainly like to be more than one game above .500, his team has battled through an ugly start and injuries to key players, and it is still part of the playoff race. That's why the Patriots didn't tumble too far in the power rankings of several publications.
Patriots Power Rankings Roundup
ESPN pushed the Pats down from No. 7 to No. 10. Mike Reiss highlighted the play of second-round pick Gabe Jacas, who has been a "quick study, considering he was away from the team in the spring because of a knee procedure and had a contract stalemate that lasted into the early days of training camp."
New England landed at No. 11 in The Athletic's power rankings, slipping from No. 5 last week. Chad Graff and Josh Kendall noted that the Patriots need A.J. Brown to step up with Romeo Doubs and Mack Hollins on injured reserve.
The Patriots managed to do just enough to stay in the top 10 on The Sporting News' list. Vinnie Iyer remains concerned about Maye's turnover issues after he threw his eighth interception of the season.
Kris Knox slid New England to No. 9 because it has to "get healthier and cut out the preventable mistakes."
Mike Florio sent a warning to the Pats in his latest power rankings: "With the Packers and Lions looming, they can't overlook the Dolphins."
Surprisingly, the Patriots didn't move at all in USA Today's power rankings. Nate Davis writes that New England overcoming turnovers and injuries to hold a 4-3 record is "fairly remarkable."
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