The New England Patriots lost to the Las Vegas Raiders yesterday in a rather unorthodox way.
With the game tied, and no time left on the clock, Patriots running back Rhamondre Stevenson broke off for a 30-plus yard run but was stopped by defenders.
Once stopped, he pitched the ball back to Jakobi Meyers, who threw the ball directly to a Raiders defender, resulting in a touchdown.
After the game, Meyers was asked about his rationale for this decision.
An emotional Jakobi Meyers said he was “trying to do too much and trying to be a hero” on the final play. Said he knew the score was tied and the play didn’t call for a lateral. pic.twitter.com/KiOIjKOqcR
— Zack Cox (@ZackCoxNESN) December 19, 2022
After the game, Meyers realized his error and took full accountability for his actions.
Unfortunately for Meyers, this blunder not only cost the Patriots this game but has further implications for the Patriots’ hopes for the post-season.
What Does This Mean For The Patriots?
With their loss to the Raiders, the Patriots fell to 7-7, tying them with the New York Jets as last place in the AFC East.
This 7-7 record currently has the Patriots on the outside of the playoffs, behind the 8-6 Miami Dolphins and 8-6 Los Angeles Chargers.
The Patriots need to regroup this week and focus on their final three games of the season if they want any chance to make the playoffs.
Their next three games are against the Cincinnati Bengals, Dolphins, and Buffalo Bills.
The game against the Dolphins may prove to be the deal-breaker, seeing that the Patriots are currently one game behind them in the standings, and a win would go a long way to save the Patriots’ season.
Although, they should have their eyes first set on this week’s opponent, the Bengals.
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