Pats Cast Episode 9: Beaten-Down Patriots Defeated by the Denver Broncos

Jermaine Eluemunor's injury is the latest obstacle thrown at the Patriots' offensive line. (Photo: Nancy Lane/MediaNews Group/Boston Herald)

The Patriots had an eventful two weeks. Cam Newton and Stephon Gilmore were able to play, but James Ferentz, Byron Cowart, Sony Michel, Shaq Mason and Derek Rivers were all placed on the COVID list last week. Their absences, combined with pre-existing injuries, disruptions to the practice schedule, and an awkward combination of offensive linemen led to an 18-12 loss to the Broncos.

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The division of reps on offense didn't change much from Week 4 vs. Kansas City, except for the front five.

Isaiah Wynn was surprisingly shifted to left guard to start the game, with Justin Herron at left tackle, Joe Thuney at center, Michael Onwenu at right guard and Jermaine Eluemunor at right tackle. By the end of the game, Eluemunor was sidelined with an injury, Wynn was back to his natural left tackle, Onwenu was the right tackle, and Hjalte Froholdt was making his NFL debut at right guard.

Cam Newton ran for 76 yards and a touchdown, but the running backs only added 41 yards on 15 carries.

James White caught eight passes for 65 yards, but everyone else combined for 11 and 130.

Similarly, the defense resembled its normal self except for up front.

With Byron Cowart ineligible, Belichick relied upon Nick Thurman and big defensive ends to fill a pseudo-defensive tackle role. Playing in that capacity – and significantly undersized – Chase Winovich's play time took a hit, with Anfernee Jennings picking up his slack.

And no, Rashod Berry isn't a tight end; he's an outside linebacker.

The loss drops the Patriots to 2-3, half a game behind the Dolphins for second place in the AFC East. It's also the first time they've been below .500 as late as October since 2002.

They'll look to get going against Jimmy Garoppolo and the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday at 4:25 p.m. from Foxboro. It's the first time they've faced their former QB2 since trading him in 2017, and it's a potential revenge game for head coach Kyle Shanahan – the offensive coordinator and supposedly guilty party in the infamous "28-3" Super Bowl.

Quick last-minute tease: Raheem Mostert (their starting running back) is likely heading to IR with a high left ankle sprain. Lead back duties will likely go to either Tevin Coleman – if he comes off IR himself – or Jerick McKinnon, although both are proven to be capable of shouldering the load.