The Patriots’ 45-27 loss to the Packers on Sunday did more than expose a few ugly mistakes. It sharpened the conversation around the NFL trade deadline, because New England’s receiver room didn’t do Drake Maye many favors.
Mike Vrabel said Monday that the defeat would not change how aggressive the Patriots plan to be before the deadline, and he made the urgency clear with one line in his media availability: "we gotta start putting ourselves in a position to start playing meaningful games in January."
At 5-4, New England is still in the playoff picture, but the path ahead is lined with tough opponents. If the Patriots want to stay in that hunt, they may need help for a roster that has been hit by injuries and uneven play.
Sunday’s problems were obvious: turnovers, shaky pass defense, and poor protection. But the wideouts also struggled to give Maye much help. He went to his receivers 24 times and completed only 13 of those throws, and one of the more glaring moments came on the interception intended for Kyle Williams, a catchable ball that ended up in Evan Williams’ hands.
The pressure only made the passing game harder. New England gave up four sacks, the most Maye has taken in a game all season.
The Packers weren’t winning with instant heat so much as letting the pocket break down before routes could develop. Fox’s broadcast also showed multiple snaps where Patriots receivers simply couldn’t shake coverage or uncover against zone looks.
Not excusing the turnovers they’re a massive issue but it’s astounding the level of difficulty Maye has on a snap to snap basis. Constant pressure, no one separating. 70% or more of the Pats explosives have gotta be Maye just making something happen
That’s why a receiver trade makes sense as the deadline approaches on November 10 at 4 p.m. And there are a few names that could fit.
One option is Josh Downs, who has formally requested a trade from Indianapolis. The Colts are in a position to sell, and Downs would bring a connection to Maye after both came through North Carolina.
Downs has said he didn’t enter the transfer portal because he wanted Maye to be his quarterback. He hasn’t been Indianapolis’ top target, but he has built a reputation as a dependable pass-catcher who can create separation and make plays in space.
Another name is Quentin Johnston. The Chargers are sitting at 0-8 after reaching the playoffs a year ago, and their season has gone off the rails.
Johnston, a former first-round pick, has the kind of downfield speed that could interest teams looking for a vertical threat. He scored his first touchdown of the season in Los Angeles’ most recent game, and while his hands have been questioned before, his 6-foot-2 frame and ability to separate deep make him an intriguing fit for New England’s passing game.
Then there’s Brian Thomas Jr., another former first-rounder whose role in Jacksonville has been pushed into the background by Parker Washington’s rise. The Jaguars have already been one of the deadline’s biggest buyers, making three major defensive trades in one day, and that could create room for them to move other pieces. Thomas has become a name to watch around the league, and the Patriots could be among the teams checking in before the deadline hits.
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