Sunday’s loss to the Indianapolis Colts was one of the New England Patriots’ most disappointing losses of the 2024 season.

The Patriots were leading by seven points when they punted against the Colts with just over five minutes left. Indianapolis went on to put together a 19-play drive that ended in a touchdown with 12 seconds left, followed by the game-winning two-point conversion.

That drive included three fourth-down conversions for the Colts. A pass interference penalty on third-and-9 with 1:23 left also proved costly for the Patriots.

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After New England’s 25-24 loss, former Pats linebacker Ted Johnson ripped apart the team’s defense for falling short in crucial time.

“It was an entertaining game, but my goodness. Boy, did the defense let them down,” Johnson continued Live after the game. “You’re going to look back on this game and say, ‘Really? A 19-game trip?’ I mean, that’s really what you’re going to see, a 19-play drive, and they needed every single play and every single second they were allowed to get that drive.

“Giving up the two-point conversion right there; The Patriots’ defense is simply not situationally good. They start the second half by giving up that long drive for three points. They start the game by giving up an eight-play drive for seven points not ready to start the half and they give up a 19-play drive there. That will be my biggest advantage.

“I think the most surprising and disappointing part of this team all season is the defense. The defense will be heavily scrutinized over the next few weeks, and talk of (defensive coordinator DeMarcus) Covington perhaps having to leave is just “I’ll improve after this performance.” It was just a massive suffocation by the defense.

A bright spot for the Patriots? Your rookie quarterback.

Drake Maye completed 24 of his 30 passes and added a touchdown and an interception that bounced off the hands of tight end Hunter Henry. The third-round draft pick also recorded 59 rushing yards on five carries, including a 41-yarder.

NBC Sports Boston’s Patriots insider Tom E. Curran was concerned that the coaching staff took the ball out of the young quarterback’s hands on his final possession.

“It’s hard to criticize a team that was lambasted by everyone last week for an inefficient performance. They come out, they play a lot better. They play a fun game, they’re pretty competent,” Curran said. “But what drives me crazy about this game is the second-to-last drive. The Patriots have a chance to win these games. They had a missed field goal from chip shot distance early in the game. They had the pick at the goal line.

“But the Patriots as a coaching staff need to be more aggressive. On the last possession they had, they got the ball at their own 48 yards with 7:59 left. They ran three plays for minus-3 yards. All three, I think.”, were runs at the end.

“… They didn’t manage to leave the field. They tried to run the clock a little bit, bleed the clock dry and throw it to the Colts. You know what? You’re not good enough to play this game. Keep playing football” with your very good quarterback.

Although questionable coaching decisions continue to be a popular topic of conversation, the Krafts are reportedly remaining patient with their first-year head coach, Jerod Mayo. However, we can expect the rest of the coaching staff to face scrutiny in the final weeks of the season.

The Patriots (3-10) will enjoy their bye week before returning to action on Sunday, December 15th against the Arizona Cardinals (6-6).

Check out ours Live after the game The Crew’s full reaction to Sunday’s loss to the Colts below or on YouTube: