The Patriots overtime loss to the Seahawks was a disappointing ending to a competitive game featuring two teams in the midst of hitting the restart button on their franchises. New England replicated their solid start from Week 1, but could not execute the kind of clutch finish that sealed a win for them over the Bengals.

With the Pats leaning into their rookies and young players, it was the kind of game that the reemerging Patriots should remember, one that was decided by a handful of key moments.

"Feels like it's been a long time since the last time we were in Foxborough," said Davon Godchaux. "So yeah, everyone's excited, but we've got to close that game out, man."

"That's part of my message, it's all about the details," said head coach Jerod Mayo after the defeat. "If we get the little things right, the big things will take care of themselves."

It's encouraging that through two games the Patriots have rectified some of the problems that hurt them in the summer. They allowed just one play over 20 yards against Cinci, and just two against Seahawks, albeit one that was a 56-yard touchdown. Self-inflicted mistakes and giveaways have not been a major factor, as Mayo's Pats have avoided beating themselves through two games. That's a positive sign out of the gate.

While the team largely played a perfect three-phase game in Cincinnati, there were some breakdowns in key moments against the Seahawks. The blown coverage that led to D.K. Metcalf's touchdown, a critical blocked punt and, though Pats had only three penalties, two of them resulted directly in Seahawk points.

Those are among the things to clean up, but with a new offensive staff and several young players being thrust into action, there is plenty to build from despite the loss.

"It's at that point of the season where everything is a learning experience, obviously," said Jacoby Brissett after the game. "You put yourself in position hopefully to make a couple more plays here and there throughout the game. I know we're going to go back and watch this film and it's going to be a play here, a play there, starting with myself. So it's going to be good for us to go back and watch this film and learn from it."

While rookie quarterbacks Drake Maye and Joe Milton wait in the wings, the rest of the 2024 rookie class is quickly starting to stack experience.

Ja'Lynn Polk's first career touchdown was a lonely highlight among the wide receiver group, but it was a welcome ice breaker for the second-round pick. Polk had a consistent summer, showing strong hands and surprising suddenness in his route running. After receiving notice for getting open but not getting targetted enough against the Bengals, Polk found a way to continue to progress despite a lack of overall production from his position group.

"It was pretty cool. It was a great experience with my teammates," said Polk. "Of course, we didn't come out with the win, so I feel like [there are] more important things than my touchdown.

"I feel like the chemistry is there. It's going to come. So, we've just got to keep pushing and keep going."

Layden Robinson played every snap for the second-straight week, while Caedan Wallace has stacked experience as the third tackle. Wallace could be in line for an expansion of duties depending on starting tackle Vederian Lowe's status on the short week after leaving the Seahawks game with an injury.

Marcellas Dial and Dell Pettus are emerging as core special teams contributors while Javon Baker and Jaheim Bell both got their feet wet with their first offensive snaps of the season against Seattle. There's been a concerted effort to get the rookies involved and that should pay dividends down the road, especially when the offense eventually shifts to Maye.

But the youth movement isn't just about the rookies, as last year's top two draft selections, Christian Gonzalez and Keion White are emerging as impact players.

Gonzalez was playing in just his sixth NFL game and went head-to-head with the physically imposing Metcalf. Through two weeks, Gonzalez has shown the sticky athleticism that allows him to stick with anyone in coverage.

Meanwhile, White is off to a white-hot start, logging another 1.5 sacks to give him four on the young season.

Without Christian Barmore, White's pass rush has been welcomed. He once again shined inside when facing guards, but is also showing an improved array of rushes from the outside.

"I think we are all seeing the same thing," said veteran captain Deatrich Wise Jr. "[Keion] is showing a lot of versatility. He is able to sit there and get on the run game, get pressure outside, able to come inside and get pressure, able to run games, he is doing a great job with that. He can set up rushes and communicate very well so we are all seeing the same thing from last year to this year and he is becoming just an overall great player."

Through two games the Patriots, like just about every team at this point of the season, have questions to answer, but the growing contributions from their youngest players are a positive sign of an emerging new foundation.

Now, they'll face a different challenge on a short week of preparation.

"This will be a big mental week and recovery week," said Wise, "Making sure we get after the game plan, know what we have to do, study and be able to play high energy Thursday night."

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