Winners and losers from Patriots disappointing loss vs. Rams

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The New England Patriots entered Sunday's matchup against the Los Angeles Rams at Gillette Stadium as underdogs, and they showed why, losing 28-22.

New England had some players who really stepped up and impacted the game in a positive way, while others were clearly struggling.

After the loss, let's take a look at the game, give credit to those who deserve it and point out who needs some extra work this week.

WINNER: QB Drake Maye

New England's rookie quarterback has really shined this season despite the fact that he's not surrounded by the best talent.

On Sunday, he completed 75% of his passes for 282 yards and two touchdowns. Even his interception, which came late in the fourth quarter, was on a play where he was trying to be the hero.

If the offense was still running with Jacoby Brissett under center, these games, even losses, would be nowhere near as entertaining.

LOSERS: Offensive line

While the offensive line isn't in flux anymore, the unit still isn't great.

Left tackle Vederian Lowe may have caught his first touchdown on a trick play, but he was also called for an illegal formation penalty that forced the Patriots to punt instead of attempting a long field goal. Lowe was also called for a hold that was declined.

Left guard Michael Jordan received a false start penalty which pushed New England back to a second-and-9 situation from Los Angeles' 14-yard line. The Patriots went on to kick a 32-yard field goal.

Jordan and center Ben Brown were also unable to handle a twist by Braden Fiske that allowed the rusher to hit Maye without resistance. Maye fumbled, Los Angeles recovered and scored just one play later.

WINNER: WR Kendrick Bourne

Bourne spent all of the Patriots' Week 10 matchup against the Chicago Bears on the bench, but in Week 11, he took K.J. Osborn's spot on the depth chart.

The Eastern Washington product was New England's leading receiver, catching five passes for 70 yards and a touchdown. This game should show the coaching staff that Bourne should be on the field.

LOSERS: Coaching/Gameplan

The Patriots coaches may have received a lot of credit from their previous win, but this loss falls on them.

New England failed to put Christian Gonzalez on either Puka Nacua or Cooper Kupp full-time, as they both exploded for over 200 yards and three touchdowns combined.

Mayo and company also opted to play conservatively multiple times. The first was that punt instead of the long field goal attempt, and the second was when they kicked a field goal after having fourth-and-goal from Los Angeles' 2-yard-line.

They shouldn't be playing scared or trusting their defense at this point in the season.