The New England Patriots entered Sunday’s matchup with the Miami Dolphins feeling like they were a team ready to turn a corner after a season’s worth of struggles.
A 34-15 loss in Miami revealed just how much more work is left to do before they can make that pronouncement.
Rookie quarterback Drake Maye struggled to make sense of things afterward but did make his own proclamation to his teammates.
“I told some guys, just remember this feeling of really getting our butts whooped today, and it’s only up from here,” Maye said.
There was plenty of bad football for the Patriots (3-9) to dwell on after losing for the third time in four games.