Hopes for a successful season in New England could disappear at this stage of the season. But a strong performance on Sunday would be crucial for head coach Jerod Mayo, especially after a week in which his post-match comments in London have led to withdrawals, reactions from players and plenty of additional distractions.

Drake Maye and New England’s offense continues to make progress since the rookie was named the team’s QB1 two weeks ago. But the Patriots’ defense has regressed severely over that same span, with New England giving up more than 170 rushing yards in three straight games.

Even with New England’s obvious problems this season, things have also gone south for the 2-5 Jets, who have lost four straight games. Aaron Rodgers has been working for New York lately. But the future Hall of Famer had perhaps his best performance of the season (27 of 35, 281 yards, two touchdowns) against the Patriots in a Week 3 win.

As the Patriots look to get back in the win column, Khari Thompson looks at five things to watch for in Sunday’s game, while Chad Finn posts his unconventional preview.

Follow here for live updates from Sunday’s match, and come back once the game is over for some early observations.

LIVE UPDATES

1:59: Maye doubtful to return with a head injury. Not great.

1:58: To make matters worse, Rodgers hits Gipson for a 1-yard touchdown.

Jets take a 13-7 lead.

1:57: Maye goes to the locker room. Brissett is warming up.

1:54: Drake Maye is now in the blue medical tent.

1:52: Another drop – this one from Boutte. Not great.

1:52: This part woke Drake Maye up.

1:47: END FIRST: Patriots have a 7-6 lead after 15 minutes.

1:45: Thornton has to come up with that catch.

1:39: Christian Elliss is called for pass interference in the end zone – and the Jets score on a 1-yard TD pass from Rodgers on the next play.

But Zuerlein’s kick is not good.

7-6 game with 1:23 left in the first.

1:34: Ooof, that’s a pretty weak call for Gonzalez there for DPI. Jets now at the New England 15 yard line.

1:30: Patriots have to burn a timeout because they only have 10 players on the field. Not great!

1:22: Dual-threat QB Drake Maye. A 17-yard TD run gives New England a lead in the first quarter.

7-0 Patriots with 5:18 left in the first.

1:19: Drake Maye marches across the field in New England. A pair of first-down pickups by Henry and Hooper – and then Maye rips off an 11-yard run.

1:16: Jets CJ Mosley is questionable to return with a neck injury. Would be a huge loss for New York’s defense.

1:10: A rather uninspired start for both offenses, with the Jets ultimately punting despite that great starting position.

1:06: Not a good start for New England’s special teams. A 40-yard punt return by the Jets’ Xavier Gipson already has the Jets in New England territory.

1:05: Patriots go 3-and-out to open the game. The Jets offense comes next.

1:00 PM: Jets win the coin toss, they postpone. Maye and the Patriots are up first.

12:55: An Adam Vinatieri sighting at Gillette Stadium.

12:38: Something worth keeping an eye on today with Javon Baker.

Javon Baker is active, but stands in the end zone without a helmet as the team warms up. He doesn’t take reps. He wasn’t here for the warm-up earlier.

— Mark Daniels (@ByMarkDaniels) October 27, 2024

12:29: For the first time this season, the Patriots are rolling out a starting group on the O-line that we’ve seen before. This starting line was used in week 6 against the Texans.

The Patriots offensive line during warm-ups

LT: Lowe
LG: Jordan
C: Brown
RG: Unknown
RT: Jacobs

— Christopher Price (@cpriceglobe) October 27, 2024

12:17: Warm-ups are underway.

12:05: A sideline from David Andrews.

12:00: Inactives for New England. Dugger is a significant loss, while Josh Uche’s absence could indicate he is being included in trade talks.

11:45: Greetings from Gillette!

Sign up for Patriots updates🏈

Get the latest news and analysis delivered to your inbox throughout football season.

---

Conor Ryan is a staff writer for the Bruins, Celtics, Patriots and Red Sox for Boston.com, a role he has held since 2023.

---