Patriots must unleash their rookie star before the season slips away

"The New England Patriots followed up a Week 2 offensive explosion with an incredibly disappointing offensive display against the Steelers. Five turnovers from the offense were the most since a six-turnover performance in 2000 against the Jets. Four of those were fumbles, two coming from Rhamondre Stevenson, who led the league in fumbles last year. The Steelers turned the ball over via an interception thrown to Robert Spillane, but also had two fumbles that the Patriots were unable to pounce on."

"Turnovers were no doubt the issue, but it would be ignorant to say the Patriots played a great game aside from them. Drake Maye had a nice connection with his tight ends, Hunter Henry and Austin Hooper, as the pair combined for ten catches, 118 yards, and two touchdowns, with Henry accounting for the bulk of the production. Aside from the tight end, no player had more than 38 receiving yards."

"A third-round pick in this past draft, Williams had an exceptional college career. He spent three seasons at UNLV before transferring to Washington State, where he had over 2,000 yards in his final two years. He also had 20 touchdowns in that time. Williams' hands have been labeled as questionable, but there's no doubt about his route running and timed speed. At the combine, he ran a 4.4 flat: only ten receivers ran faster."

The Patriots committed five offensive turnovers against the Steelers, their most since 2000, including four fumbles and an interception thrown to Robert Spillane. Two of the fumbles came from Rhamondre Stevenson, who led the league in fumbles last season. Drake Maye connected effectively with tight ends Hunter Henry and Austin Hooper, who combined for ten catches, 118 yards, and two touchdowns, while no other player exceeded 38 receiving yards. Wide receiver play has been inconsistent, with Stefon Diggs underperforming and Kayshon Boutte slowing after initial production. Rookie Kyle Williams offers route precision and deep speed as a potential solution.

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