BSJ Game Report: Commanders 20, Patriots 17 - New England can't get it done in all 3 phases

Everything you need to know from the Patriots’ loss to the Commanders in quickie form, with BSJ insight and analysis:

BOX SCORE

HEADLINES

Patriots drop to 5-12 over last 17 games, currently have 4th overall pick: New England fell behind by 10 but suddenly found itself in the lead at halftime thanks to Washington shooting itself in the foot twice with turnovers, and the Patriots pushed the lead to 17-10. But they could not hold on as the Patriots were shut out the rest of the way and the defense had a hard time getting off the field against a very game Sam Howell (29 of 45, 325 yards, TD, INT, 27 rushing yards, 84.0 rating).

"Had a chance at the end, just couldn't make enough plays," said Bill Belichick. "We had plenty of opportunities throughout the game that we needed to make more out of. Just a disappointing result. Need to do a better job of making the plays when we have the opportunity to make them, it's as simple as that. It's all away across the board, all three units."

Mac Jones struggled all day going 24 of 44 220 yards, TD and an interception to basically end the game when Juju Smith-Schuster dropped the ball. Patriots receivers dropped a handful of balls throughout the game.

“It was a good ball, went through my hands, interception. Game over," Smith-Schuster told reporters.

JC Jackson, Jack Jones both benched to start: The two top cornerbacks took a while to come off the bench as Shaun Wade started the game. No indication of what happened, but very clearly they were benched.

"No," Belichick said when asked if they were benched. "Everyone played. They all played."

"I'm not talking," Jackson said after the game.

Patriots fortunate to lead at the half: The Commanders had nearly 250 total yards in the first half as they converted 6 of 9 on third down, including several of the long variety — highlighted by a 3rd and 23 scramble by QB Sam Howell, who broke two tackles. Turnovers killed the Commanders — a punchout by Jahlani Tavai on James Robinson after a 7-yard run, and a mindless end zone pick by Howell — and kept them from having something along the lines of a two-score lead at halftime. 

"We didn't tackle well," said Belichick. "It was obvious."

Trent Brown, Kayshon Boutte inactive: Not a big surprise that the veteran left tackle was not able to go, he came out of the Miami game really beat up. Conor McDermott started in his place. Boutte was a bigger surprise given the way he talked this week and Belichick said it was his best week of practice. Demario Douglas and Jalen Reagor were the top WRs with Juju Smith-Schuster and an active Tyquan Thornton next up. 

"We activated the players we thought were best to put into the game," Belichick said.

SECOND GUESS

Why wasn't Boutte active? Why was Thornton benched after the third series? Why are you trying to come back with two TEs and Juju Smith-Schuster? Why run a screen to Smith-Schuster on third and long?

So many questions.

THREE UP

Rhamondre Stevenson: Obviously had the 64-yard touchdown and at one point in the fourth quarter, he had 11 touches for 108 yards. Good to have him back.

Ja'Whaun Bentley: Some of his tackling in space wasn't great, but he just about doubled everyone in tackles and had two sacks.

Demario Douglas: Not huge stats at 5 for 55 but he was really good in this game and is absolutely the most dangerous weapon on the team.

FOUR DOWN

Special teams: Just atrocious. At least four penalties (town on Brenden Schooler), including one on Mack Wilson that gave Washington a first down late. Bryce Baringer had an awful touchback. Douglas fielded a punt at like the 2-yard line. Just awful.

Mac Jones: Got let down by his receivers a few times, but he wasn't good enough in this game again. Needs to make some plays. Was 19 for 36 and a 75 rating with 5 minutes left in the game.

Jalen Reagor: Dropped a potential huge big play and caught just 1 of 6 targets.

Third-down defense: Patriots made Sam Howell look like a first-overall pick, especially on third and long.

TOP PLAYS

INJURIES

None reported.

TWO TAKES BEDARD WILL PROBABLY REGRET LATER

Would you rather be the Commanders or the Patriots?: Howell looked like a franchise quarterback with some special weapons. A very young defense had its moments. They had just as many penalties as the Patriots (four). Which team is in a better spot? Can you tell which team has Bill Belichick as coach and which one has Ron Rivera?

Belichick needs to pick a lane and stay in it: Boutte's inactive. Thornton gets benched after the third series. Are you trying to develop your young talent, or are you just going to bury them at the first misstep?