**Patriots and Jaguars Face Off in London: Key Storylines to Watch**

The final London game of the 2024 NFL season will witness a matchup of two struggling teams as the Jacksonville Jaguars (1-5) take on the New England Patriots (1-5) at Wembley Stadium. Both teams, desperate for a win, will battle it out this Sunday morning at 9:30 a.m. ET, broadcasted on NFL Network and NFL+.

The Patriots' journey this season has been rocky under new head coach Jerod Mayo. Surprisingly, their season began with a victory over the Bengals, but since then, they have been unable to secure another win, suffering five consecutive losses. The much-anticipated debut of their 2024 No. 3 overall pick Drake Maye happened in Week 6 against the Houston Texans. Although his first start concluded in a 41-21 defeat, it marked a new chapter for New England as they venture to London.

On the opposing side, the Jaguars kicked off 2024 with a disappointing 0-4 record. They finally clinched their first win in a thrilling game against the Colts. However, their momentum was short-lived, as they fell to the Bears 35-16 last week in the first of their consecutive games abroad. Now, staying in the UK for a second week in a row, Jacksonville faces rising speculation regarding potential changes if their losing streak continues.

Let's delve into three significant aspects to watch for in this upcoming game:

**Drake Maye Searches for His First NFL Win**

The Patriots' new quarterback, Drake Maye, got his first taste of NFL action in Week 6. Despite the loss, Maye showcased potential by throwing three touchdown passes to three different receivers. The issues, however, lay in ball security, as he threw two interceptions and lost a fumble. Against the Jaguars, who have had considerable trouble with their pass defense, Maye will aim to avoid errors and solidify his connection with his receivers. Furthermore, New England's offensive line, having allowed 23 sacks this season, remains a critical concern. The Jaguars’ pass rush, led by stars Josh Hines-Allen and Travon Walker, poses a formidable challenge.

**Jaguars Need to Stop Beating Themselves**

The Jaguars entered 2024 with high hopes but have been plagued by mistakes. They are tied for third in penalties (47) and have repeatedly faltered in crucial moments. Last week's game against the Bears illustrated their self-inflicted troubles, with penalties, drops, and turnovers leading to their downfall. Facing a struggling Patriots team, Jacksonville's defense has an opportunity for a turnaround. Meanwhile, on offense, quarterback Trevor Lawrence looks to exploit a New England defense that has shown vulnerabilities, especially evident in their recent 41-point surrender.

**Ground Game Matchup Could Be Crucial**

Both teams have faced difficulties in their passing games, making the effectiveness of their ground attacks crucial. The Jaguars’ rushing offense, featuring Travis Etienne and Tank Bigsby, fell short last week with just 68 total rushing yards. Etienne's hamstring injury leaves his status uncertain, potentially impacting Jacksonville's run game. On the other side, the Patriots' rushing offense, ranked 12th, has been one of their few strengths. With leading rusher Rhamondre Stevenson dealing with a foot injury, New England will look to reinvigorate their ground game to support their rookie quarterback.

As the Patriots and Jaguars prepare to clash in London, each team is acutely aware of the high stakes. Both franchises seek a crucial victory to bring back home, and this matchup promises intense storylines and pivotal moments that could shape the rest of their seasons.