Winners and losers from Patriots Week 6 loss vs. Texans

The New England Patriots entered Sunday’s Week 6 matchup against the Houston Texans at Gillette Stadium, as underdogs, and they showed why, losing their fifth game in a row, 41-21.

New England’s offense moved the ball better through the air with rookie quarterback Drake Maye under center, but they struggled to do much on the ground without running back Rhamondre Stevenson.

While the effort was inspiring for the future, they still lost, and it wasn’t particularly close. So, as we continue breaking down what happened on the field, let’s hand out some credit for positive performances and talk about who needs more work after practice.

WINNERS: WRs Demario Douglas, Kayshon Boutte

Douglas led New England in receptions (six) and yards (92) scoring one touchdown. Boutte was right behind him, catching three passes for 59 yards and a score.

These two cemented themselves as the top two wideouts on the depth chart with their snap count (first and third at the position, respectively) and production. Kendrick Bourne still could pass them by when he’s fully back, but for now, the Patriots’ pair of sixth-round picks from 2023 are the most reliable options.

LOSER: WR Ja’Lynn Polk

Polk has had a slow start to his rookie campaign, catching nine passes for 74 yards and a touchdown through the first five weeks with Jacoby Brissett.

In Week 6, he caught just one of his four targets for four yards, and he also had some costly drops that could’ve helped sustain drives for the Patriots.

If he can’t turn that around, Maye might not look his way in the future.

WINNER: C Ben Brown

New England signed Brown off of the Las Vegas Raiders practice squad, and he practiced just two days with the team before being surprised with a starting role on Sunday.

He played all 66 snaps for the Patriots and didn’t appear to be an issue. In fact, New England released Nick Leverett, who had served as the team’s center, on Monday.

Head coach Jerod Mayo even went as far as to call Brown their best offensive lineman on Sunday.

LOSER: The entire defense

The Patriots can’t generate any pass rush without Christian Barmore (out indefinitely due to blood clots) and Matthew Judon (traded to the Atlanta Falcons). While they had two sacks in this game, at least one was due to stellar coverage.

Quarterbacks are too comfortable against New England’s front, allowing them to pick apart the secondary, which has also struggled to play without committing penalties.

On top of the issues against the pass, their tackling has plagued them throughout the season, and in Week 6, this allowed Joe Mixon and Dameon Pierce to rush for 178 yards, including a rush for over 50 yards each.