The New England Patriots had everything in play for a potential turnaround game against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Mac Jones, who had handicapped the team with numerous turnovers, was watching from the sidelines, while Bailey Zappe finally got his chance to start and play for an entire game. The Patriots were facing a Chargers team with no Joey Bosa and the worst passing defense in the NFL.
There was no pressure or high expectations with the team sitting at 2-9 and pegged as underdogs in their home building.