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    Patriots-49ers Snap Count Takeaways: Ja’Lynn Polk Sets New High, Tyquan Thornton Slides Down Depth Chart

    Here's everything you need to know about the New England Patriots player snap counts from Sunday's loss to the San Francisco 49ers.

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    The New England Patriots are licking their wounds after Sunday’s ugly road loss to the San Francisco 49ers.

    The Patriots’ offense once again cratered behind a patchwork line, and the increasingly depleted defense allowed too many explosive plays. It was an all-around sloppy performance, albeit one that was entirely predictable.

    There’s much to dissect from the loss, including how head coach Jerod Mayo used his players. Let’s look at the Patriots’ offensive and defensive snap count totals, via TruMedia, and offer some takeaways.

    Patriots Snap Count Totals in Loss to 49ers

    Offensive Snap Counts

    Defensive Snap Counts

    Patriots Snap Count Takeaways

    Patriots Offense

    • Rookie Ja’Lynn Polk saw the highest usage (83%) among all Patriots receivers. DeMario Douglas (59%) still is the top receiver in the offense, but Polk is ascending.

    • Tyquan Thornton saw just 13 snaps, the fourth-fewest he’s seen in any game as a pro. He was out-repped by Kayshon Boutte, who saw 15 snaps.
    • With Kendrick Bourne set to begin practicing this week, it’ll be interesting to see whether the Patriots cut either Thornton or Boutte. Rookie fourth-rounder Javon Baker likely is safe despite not seeing any offensive snaps.
    • Ja’Mycal Hasty played 10 snaps, his most of the season. His role will continue to increase if Rhamondre Stevenson doesn’t figure out his fumbling issues.
    • Demontrey Jacobs saw 100% of the snaps as the starting left tackle. With Caedan Wallace suffering an ankle injury — and leaving the stadium in a walking boot — Jacobs could start again next Sunday unless Vederian Lowe returns from his knee injury.
    • Nick Leverett played 55 snaps at center after David Andrews left the game due to a shoulder injury.

    Patriots Defense

    • Safety Jaylinn Hawkins saw a season-high 49 snaps while filling in for Kyle Dugger, who suffered an ankle injury.
    • Joshua Uche started and played a season-high 40 snaps with Anfernee Jenning sidelined due to a shoulder injury. Uche struggled mightily.

    • Marco Wilson (31%) saw an increased role with Alex Austin on injured reserve (ankle) and Jonathan Jones managing a shoulder injury.
    • Linebacker Raekwon McMillan continued to rep as the top replacement for Ja’Whaun Bentley.
    • Defensive tackle Eric Johnson II played 22 snaps, an increase from the 11 snaps he played in Week 3.

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