By Khari Thompson

Drake Maye’s first action of the season comes in a cameo appearance in the season’s closing minutes. 24-3 loss to Jets It was just an appetizer in Week 3, as Patriots rookie Jacoby Brissett watched from behind as he prepared to take over the offense.

On Sunday, the Patriots will serve a full infield with Maye under center at Gillette Stadium as the rival Jets return to town.

New York’s transition rush Patriots’ offensive line had a feast Last time, we posted seven sacks, two of which came in Maye’s limited action. That’s the most sacks the Patriots have given up in a game this season.

New England’s run defense, which was strong last year, has struggled in recent weeks, allowing 170 yards or more in three consecutive games. The Jets were the last opponent the Patriots held to 4 yards per carry.

Can the Patriots keep Maye upright, score points and stop the run? Here are five things to watch.

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By Chad Finn

We know all about the misery of the Patriots. Six straight defeats, including the Jaguars’ 32-16 win in London last Sunday. 30th rushing in the league (262.9 yards per game). The league’s 25th-rated defense (359.6 yards per game and trending in the wrong direction). A rookie coach who has to return on Monday, no matter what he says on Sunday. It’s a large receiving room on social media, where more cryptic comments are collected from receptions.

We knew this team was rebuilding. We knew this would take years. But the resurgence of chaos and confusion seven games into Jerod Mayo’s tenure is a reminder of how good we have been for so long, and how difficult the climb will be to become competitive in the way fans desire again. Most of us here have forgotten what a terrible football team looks like. But we can do it without being reminded every time. . . Single . . . week.

So let’s talk about the Jets’ misery, because hey, they were supposed to be good, maybe even a Super Bowl contender with quarterback Aaron Rodgers coming back from his Achilles injury, and instead they’re 2-5 or two games behind. They had Zach Wilson at QB for seven games last season. That’s my style of comedy.

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Emma can be reached at [email protected] or on X @_EmmaHealy_. Amin Touri can be reached at [email protected]. Nicole Yang can be reached at [email protected]. follow him @nicolecyang. Christopher Price can be reached at [email protected]. follow him @cpriceglobe.