Patriots Seek to End Losing Streak Against Jaguars at London’s Wembley Stadium

In an attempt to stem a five-game losing streak, the New England Patriots are preparing to face the Jacksonville Jaguars at Wembley Stadium in London. The game marks Patriots quarterback Drake Maye’s first start overseas and a critical opportunity for him to secure his first NFL win.

Drake Maye, who debuted as a starter for the Patriots, showed potential reminiscent of his college days at the University of North Carolina. His skills have been praised by his coaches, particularly for his mental acuity. Offensive Coordinator Alex Van Pelt praised Maye’s ability to adjust to blitzes and make protection changes on the field, a testament to his growing confidence and strategic thinking.

“He can get in there and protect himself. He knows the calls he needs to make,” Van Pelt said. “I don’t know if we’d have gotten that done in Week 1. He’s a natural leader and very intelligent.”

Despite his rookie status, Maye’s growth since April has been noteworthy, with veteran quarterback Jacoby Brissett’s mentorship playing a part. Maye emphasized the importance of studying run checks and defensive looks, contributing to his improvement in executing plays.

Van Pelt continued, “He’s everything you want in a young quarterback. His willingness to learn and adaptability have been impressive.”

The Patriots are familiar with the international stage, marking their fifth appearance abroad, and have shown a strong track record in London. The team has a 3-1 record in international fixtures and is eager to perform well against the Jaguars, a team struggling defensively, having conceded 35 points to another rookie quarterback, Caleb Williams, recently.

Both Head Coach Jerod Mayo and Drake Maye addressed the media at Winston Churchill’s former school in London, expressing optimism about the Patriots’ prospects and encouraging UK fans to support their team. While Mayo spoke of rebuilding a dynasty, Maye touted the team’s appeal to UK fans because of their namesake, “New England,” and the “come up” status of the team.

The Patriots face the challenge of overcoming a 34-game streak without scoring over 30 points, with their last such game being in October 2022. With Maye at the helm, there is hope for a breakthrough against the Jaguars.

Van Pelt acknowledged the challenges faced by rookie wide receiver Ja'Lynn Polk, who hopes to overcome early season struggles and contribute to the Patriots’ efforts. “Success always gets you over that,” Van Pelt observed, revealing his confidence in the young player’s potential.

Meanwhile, rookie guard Layden Robinson is set to return to the offensive line amidst injuries on the squad. Head Coach Mayo is keen on utilizing Robinson’s hard work and dedication, anticipating his performance against a tough Jaguars’ defense.

The Patriots will round out their London trip with a “fast start” period in practice to address the slow game starts and inefficiencies in the red zone that have plagued the team throughout the season.

New England also added Lecitus Smith from another practice squad for center depth, an atypical left-handed snapper, adding depth to their lineup. “He has upside,” Coach Mayo said, noting Smith’s potential to grow into a starter.

After returning from London, the Patriots face another tough test in welcoming Aaron Rodgers and the team to Foxboro, gearing up for Week 8 of the NFL season without a bye week.