PATRIOTS NOTEBOOK: Third down was a downer

While the Patriots' offense went 4 for 12 in third-down conversions, their defense allowed Jacksonville to go 10 for 14 on Sunday.

FOXBORO – Bad enough that the Patriots converted just 4 of 12 times (33 percent) on third down in Sunday’s 31-20 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars at TIAA Bank Field.

Worse, they allowed the Jaguars to convert 10 of 14 times (71 percent).

The latter problem occurred early and often, the Jaguars converting on third-and-six and third-and-seven as they took a 7-0 lead on their first possession and converting on third-and-six as they scored another touchdown on their second possession to seize a 14-point lead 12:50 into the game.

Jaguars quarterback Blake Bortles had a hand in all of the conversions, throwing for seven and scrambling for three.

“We need to play better on third down on both sides of the ball,” Patriots head coach Bill Belichick stressed Monday.

Much of the coach’s critique centered on the defensive side of the ball, however.

“There were times where everything was a problem,” said Belichick. “Sometimes we had rush and not enough coverage. Sometimes we had good coverage and not enough rush. So, just overall, we’ve got to do a better job of playing and coaching and executing in that situation. It just wasn’t good enough on either side of the ball.”

Through two games, the Patriots are just 8 for 26 (31 percent) on third down offensively. Defensively, they’ve allowed 12 conversions in 25 opportunities (48 percent).

Mixed feelings: Running back Sony Michel, the second of the Patriots’ two first-round draft picks, had mixed emotions after he carried the ball 10 times for a team-leading 34 yards and caught a pass for 7 yards in an injury-delayed NFL debut.

“It’s always great to go out there and play football. That’s what I’m here for,” said Michel, who missed the bulk of training camp and all of the preseason games with a knee injury. “When I’m not on the field it (stinks), but when I’m out there it’s always a good feeling. But overall, when you’re out there you want to win games, do your best, so when you’re not able to do that it’s never fun.”