The Patriots return home to Gillette Stadium this Sunday in their throwback uniforms to take on the 5-7 Indianapolis Colts with a bye-week break awaiting them on the other side. Coming off a flat 34-15 loss to the Dolphins, the Patriots have fallen to 3-9 this season after winning two-out-of-three games a month ago with a competitive overtime loss to the Titans sandwiched in between the victories. Now, New England has lost back-to-back games and is looking to get back on track with only five contests remaining this season.

Indy is the last team on New England's schedule currently on the outside looking in on the playoffs. The Colts are coming off a similar lopsided result themselves, dropping last week's contest to the Detroit Lions 24-6. A last-minute win over the Jets in Week 11 is Indy's only win over the last six weeks as they've gone back to second-year quarterback Anthony Richardson, who has battled injuries and inconsistency that landed him on the bench.

Now Richardson is back and the Colts are making the most of his size and mobility as they try to ride his legs and huge arm back into the AFC playoff picture from their current spot of ninth in the conference.

"Coaches, players, we're all being evaluated, and these next few weeks are definitely important," said Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo this week. "My message to the players is, 'Look, let's pour everything we have into this over these next couple of months, and go out there and play good ball.'"

Here's who to watch as the two old rivals renew hostilities.

Drake Maye

After the loss to Miami, Maye fell to a 2-5 record in his rookie season. He threw for just 222 yards in the Dolphins loss but hit a 38-yard touchdown that continued his streak of eye-popping plays that date all the way back to the summer. However, the performance also included two more turnovers, including his fifth interception in the last four games. On the season, Maye has completed 65.5% of his passes, throwing for 1,458 yards with 10 touchdowns and 7 interceptions. Maye has all the potential the Patriots were hoping for when they drafted him but cutting down on the mistakes is the biggest key for the final five games, starting with this home contest against an Indy defense that ranks 21st in points and 28th in yards.

"We've been moving the ball this year, so we've just got to stop hurting ourselves, whether it's in the red zone hurting ourselves or starting possessions on first down," said Maye this week. "So, I think we've got the right guys in there that can make some plays, and it's got to be a better job on my part of giving the football and getting the ball out faster to help the guys up front."

Pop Douglas

Douglas has emerged as a key contributor for the Patriots' offense during the 2024 season, showcasing consistent production and improving chemistry with quarterback Drake Maye. Through 12 games, Douglas has 48 receptions on 66 targets for 477 yards and a touchdown, averaging 9.9 yards per catch. Against the Dolphins in Week 12, he notched five receptions for 62 yards, including a 27-yard catch that showcased his playmaking ability. His quickness and versatility have allowed him to contribute in both short-yardage situations and intermediate routes, where Maye's accuracy has been a key factor. While the Patriots have struggled this season, Douglas' development into a reliable option bodes well for their future offensive potential, as he continues to build his rapport with Maye and gain confidence in his role.

Christian Barmore

Barmore picked up his first sack of the season against the Dolphins, though it was more of a coverage sack than Barmore's usual bread and butter of plowing his way through the pocket right into the quarterback's lap. Still, it's a nice reward after a trying season for the important defensive lineman. Barmore has practiced only once in each of the two weeks since his return as the coaching staff slowly gets him up to speed. If he continues to see his usage rise, Barmore could be heading for a strong finish over the last five games.

Christian Gonzalez

Despite popping up on the injury report late last week, Gonzalez still played all but one snap against the Dolphins while continuing his impressive takeaway streak against Miami with a fumble recovery that he took to the end zone for a score. Gonzalez has three takeaways in his career and all have come against Miami. The second-year corner will once again be the key piece for the Patriots secondary against the Colts, who feature an intriguing cast of young receivers who can get down the field and make big plays.

Keion White

White has had a strong showing in his second season recording five sacks and 15 quarterback hits over 12 games. He ranks 13th in NFL with 43 quarterback pressures according to Next Gen Stats. His 49 combined tackles (27 solo) make him a key player on the defensive line. White's impact in the trenches has been a highlight this season for the Patriots and he'll once again be called upon to make an impact against Richardson. White's edge-setting ability opposite Anfernee Jennings against the running game figures to be a key part of the game plan.

Anthony Richardson

It's been an up-and-down second season for quarterback Anthony Richardson, who's started 8 games, posting a 4-4 record. He completed 90 of 191 passes (47.1%) for 1,402 yards, 5 touchdowns, and 7 interceptions, with a passer rating of 65.4. Richardson has also seen his carries increase since his return from the bench, rushing 61 times for 335 yards and 3 touchdowns on the season with 10 carries in each of the last two contests. Richardson has a huge arm with shades of current Patriot Joe Milton. He can get the ball anywhere he needs to down the field, while also doing damage with his legs thanks to elite size and surprising speed. Taking away the big play from Richardson is a huge key for the Patriots defense.

Michael Pittman Jr.

Wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. signed a three-year $70 million deal to stay with the Colts this offseason and in 2024 he's caught 41 passes on 72 targets for 508 yards and 2 touchdowns. He averaged 12.4 yards per reception, with a season-long of 33 yards. Pittman is also a consistent chain mover, recording 21 first downs. He is the key receiving cog for the Colts' offense.

"They have good receivers," said Jerod Mayo. "I think it starts with [Michael] Pittman [Jr.]. He's one of those guys that is able to do the dirty work. Doesn't shy away from blocking people. At the same time, he does a good job catching balls over the middle of the field. He's really a fearless guy."

Josh Downs

In 10 games (6 starts), second-year wide receiver Josh Downs has emerged as a dynamic weaponmostly from the slot, hauling in 53 receptions on 78 targets for 594 yards and 4 touchdowns. He averaged 11.2 yards per catch and contributed 31 first downs, with a long reception of 69 yards. Downs also contributed as a punt returner, fielding 16 punts for 161 yards, averaging 10.1 yards per return. He's an electric player for Indy, but it appears the Patriots might get a break with Downs suffering a shoulder injury against the Lions that could cost him this weekend's game.Still, as a former teammate and go-to receiver of Drake Maye at UNC, Downs is a player to keep in mind down the road.

Jonathan Taylor

Taylor has played nine games, rushing 161 times for 708 yards and 5 touchdowns, averaging 4.4 yards per carry. Taylor also caught 13 of 22 targets for 111 yards. He totaled 819 scrimmage yards and 5 touchdowns, averaging 91 yards per game. His longest run was 58 yards, demonstrating his explosive playmaking ability. Taylor ran all over the Patriots in 2021 with 170 rushing yards, but last year, in a 10-6 Colts win, the Patriots held him in check with 69 rushing yards on 23 carries. New England must keep Taylor contained if they're to put pressure on Richardson.

"Taylor, he's a problem," said Mayo this week. "We have to try to go out there and really bottle him up. I think one thing about him, he probably doesn't get the hype that he deserves. At the same time, he's a very explosive player and a very fast player out there on the field. It all really runs through him."

Laiatu Latu

Rookie defensive end Laiatu Latu has played in all 12 games, recording 4 sacks, 25 combined tackles (14 solo), and 5 tackles for loss. The 2024 15th-overall pick also registered 12 quarterback hits, providing a disruptive presence on the Colts' defensive line throughout the season. He's tied for 21st in the NFL with 38 pressures and is an up-and-coming cornerstone of the Colts defense. He's one of five players in the Colts defensive front that has three-plus sacks and is someone that the Patriots tackles must be ready to deal with off the edge.

DeForest Buckner

The monstrous nine-year veteran is the key piece along Indy's defensive line and should give the Patriots interior offensive line, with a potential new starter at left guard after the release of Michael Jordan, plenty of deal with. Buckner has 4.5 sacks on the season and 10 QB hits to go with 26 QB pressures, fourth highest on the defense. Whether it's a run or pass, Buckner will be a problem on every down.

"Defensively, this is one of the better fronts, more disruptive fronts that we have faced this year," said Mayo. "We've got to do a good job handling the front. Starts with Buckner, who's been a guy who's played at a high level for a very long time."

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