The New England Patriots fell to the Los Angeles Rams in Week 11, dropping to 3-8 on the season while the Rams evened their record to 5-5.
On paper, the Rams appeared to have the upper hand, boasting talent across the board with players like Cooper Kupp, Puka Nacua and rookie standout Jared Verse, among other playmakers. Despite the apparent mismatch, football isn’t played on paper, and the Patriots showed signs that they could keep the game more competitive than expected.
However, the Rams, led by veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford, played one of their better games in recent weeks, ultimately proving to be too much for New England.
Rams coach Sean McVay outmaneuvered Patriots rookie coach Jerod Mayo in this matchup, highlighting the difference between a seasoned leader and someone still finding their footing. Similarly, Stafford’s experience stood in contrast to rookie Drake Maye, who showed flashes of potential but ultimately fell short in the game’s biggest moments.
While the Patriots struggled in several areas, there were still moments of promise, and as always, some key takeaways emerged after having a night to reflect. Let’s dive into our morning after thoughts.