Sunday, Oct. 24 the New England Patriots were exposed in just about every way possible by the 49ers. They lost with a score of 33-6, and ended the game with Jarrett Stidham at quarterback instead of Cam Newton. The team seemed unable to do anything well, and never did the game feel close. 

San Francisco started the game with a quick drive down the field and took an early 7-0 lead. San Fransisco running back, Jeff Wilson Jr. scored three touchdowns, but injured his leg during his final score and had to leave the game. 

The 49ers kept on rolling over the Pats defense: 467 total yards of offense. Wilson ran for over 100 yards, and Brandon Aiyuk had over 100 yards receiving. Their defense dominated too, intercepting Newton three times, and Stidham once. The 49ers never let either of the Pat’s quarterbacks find their rhythm. 

The Patriots seem to be a different team than they were at the start of the season. Newton particularly has seen better games. Since the offensive line has been shuffled around due to injuries, his protection has not been as sufficient. 

Newton and the offense have to try something different next week against Buffalo. Without scoring touchdowns, it will be near impossible to win any games.

Currently, the Pats don’t have a true #1 receiver. Julian Edelman is older and often injured, and the other receivers are young and inexperienced. The tight ends in the passing game are non-factors every week. 

The team needs to make a trade for a wide receiver. On Sunday, there were only a handful of plays when Patriots players were separated from the defense on their routes.

The Pats need better than that; they need a true starting caliber receiver. It has been a need for years and it feels like a blowout may be the last straw for Bill Belichick to make a move. He’s not in the business of losing, so hopefully he will try and improve this team. 

The team travels to Buffalo to play the Bills next Sunday, Nov. 1 at 1:00 pm est.