This week’s theme in The Athletic’s NFL power rankings presents one big questions for each team.
29. New England Patriots (1-5)
Last week: 29
Sunday: Lost to Houston Texans 41-21
One Big Question: How was Drake Maye feeling Monday morning?
Ostensibly one of the reasons New England waited until Week 6 to start the rookie quarterback was a concern for his safety, and he was sacked four times Sunday, three by Will Anderson. But Maye is a big boy (6-foot-4, 225 pounds) and doesn’t appear fragile. Sacks notwithstanding, he made the Patriots much more watchable. Maye passed for 243 yards and three touchdowns. Former starter Jacoby Brissett threw two touchdowns in Weeks 1-5. Maye also led New England in rushing (38 yards). New England still lost its fifth straight, but at least it was less painful.
31. Jacksonville Jaguars (1-5)
Last week: 31
Sunday: Lost to Chicago Bears 35-16
One Big Question: Should Doug Pederson go the Ted Lasso route?
The Jaguars are in the middle of back-to-back games in England, where team owner Shad Khad also owns soccer club Fulham F.C., which has never finished higher than seventh in the Premier League. It’s highly doubtful Khan wants Pederson to remain the head coach of his NFL team. The Jaguars, who have lost 10 of their last 12 games, have topped 20 points in only one game this season. If Pederson loses to New England on Sunday, maybe he can just stay in London.
Read the rest of the rankings for all 32 teams here.
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