One step forward, two steps back, that’s been the case for the Patriots all season. Just when it looked like they were slowly clicking in week 16 against the Bills, they were on the receiving end of a sucker punch in week 17. That would probably live long in the memories of Foxborough. Jim Harbaugh’s Chargers were merciless to New England on the day when Jerod Mayo tried to deceive the media with last-minute changes.

Hours before the kickoff, Mayo said he would be benching their running back, Rhamondre Stevenson, for Saturday’s clash. In his place, the Patriots were supposed to start Antonio Gibson. However, to everyone’s surprise, Mayo took a u-turn on his call and kept Stevenson in the lineup. So the moment that final whistle was blown in Foxboro, Jerod Mayo was questioned as to why he didn’t start Antonio Gibson as he was supposed to. Mayo described the sudden change in the decision to start Rhamondre Stevenson as a “Coach’s decision.”

Well, he was followed up with another question asking whether there was any disconnect in communication. And Mayo’s answer was the same: “I understand your question. Look, it’s a coach’s decision. So I’ll leave it at that.” But here’s the thing: None of it really mattered, as the Patriots running game was non-existent against the Chargers. They only managed to put up 96 rushing compared to the Chargers 147. And guess what? Out of those 96 yards, 63 came from Gibson’s legs.

Stevenson only carried the football twice for one yard. While Gibson had 12 carries for 63 rushing yards. Now, there could be yet another reason why the Pats didn’t rely on Stevenson enough in week 17. Building up to the week 17’s clash, the Patriots RB had fumbled the football 7 times in just 14 games. Now, the Patriots aren’t just struggling with fumbles or a lack of running game. Everything seems to be amateurish as former NFL Punter Pat McAfee calls them out for an embarrassing 7-40 loss at home.

Pat McAfee is in disbelief over the Patriots’ result in front of Foxboro

The Pats already knew they had nothing left to play for this season. However, they have at least shown a fight against the playoff-chasing Chargers. But no, they ended up getting embarrassed, outplayed, and outsmarted on every play. While their fans turned out in numbers to watch their beloved Patriots play on a rainy day, what did they do to please them in return? Well, we all know what happened as Pat McAfee tweeted, “40-7 Holy S—.” Yeah, that’s what happened.

The Chargers scored 40 points compared to the Patriots’ 7. Those 7 points also wouldn’t have been possible without their rookie QB Drake Maye’s resilience. Even after getting concussed in the first quarter, Maye managed to make his way back into the game. Now, some might say it was probably too late, as the Chargers had already raced into a 17-point lead. However, Maye popped up with a 36-yard TD dagger to DeMario Douglas. And who knew that would have been the only score the Pats would manage to put on board?

Jerod Mayo’s team was simply outplayed and outgained on the offense. The Chargers managed to run 30 more offensive plays while winning the possession battle by 40:37 to the Pats 19:26. Well, the Patriots have some serious soul-searching to do after today’s clash. There’s still a game remaining on their horror of a season. And who knows what will happen when the Bills visit Foxboro to end the Patriots’ suffering?