Patriots’ low-scoring offense is big concern even after 1st win

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – While the New England Patriots avoided their first 0-3 start in two decades, it’s not clear whether they can consistently score enough points to contend in the AFC East.

New England played turnover-free in Sunday’s 15-10 win over the struggling New York Jets, covering for the deficiencies of an offense that didn’t run a single play in the red zone.

Pharaoh Brown had a 58-yard catch-and-run touchdown, Chad Ryland kicked two field goals, and the Patriots’ defense contributed a safety in the fourth quarter when Matt Judon sacked Zach Wilson in the end zone. New England’s 15 points was its lowest scoring output so far.

Through three weeks under new coordinator Bill O’Brien, the Patriots are ranked 26th in total offense.

Quarterback Mac Jones still saw some progress, especially considering the rainy and windy conditions at MetLife Stadium.

“We’re definitely close and thought the play-calling was really good,” Jones said. “Coach O’Brien did a great job calling a great game. We’ve just got to execute better.”

The most positive development might have been the Patriots’ ability to run the ball against the Jets’ stingy defensive line, led by Quinnen Williams. He had seven tackles, but only one of New York’s two tackles for a loss.

The Patriots totaled 157 rushing yards, their best output of the season.

“Just good execution and grind it out. It’s hard to rip off a bunch of 20yard runs against these guys,” coach Bill Belichick said. “There were some plays where we gave up some pressure but overall I thought it was a decent day in pass protection. We’ve just got to convert and get more points than we got.”

What's working

Judon continues to be a differencemaker. The safety was one of his two sacks. It was the 12th two-sack game of his career and sixth for New England.