The trade table was where it all came apart. The Patriots shipped out far more than they hauled back, and no amount of spin dresses up the bill. Too much went sideways, and the D+ is the honest tally.

Whatever Drake Maye becomes, the front office has tied its fortunes to the answer. That edge rusher hole did not close this weekend, and it was the biggest one on the wall.

Whatever else happened, they won the night they took Smith-Wade. Wide receiver was the priority and it is no longer a question, which is most of the job.

It is a steep hill from here, and the grade knows it.