The Washington PostDemocracy Dies in Darkness

Patriots’ longest day ends with QB switch, officiating controversy and a loss to Chiefs

Tyrann Mathieu runs from Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman while returning an interception 25 yards for a touchdown during the Chiefs' win Monday night. (Jeff Roberson/AP)
Analysis by
Staff writer
October 5, 2020 at 11:40 p.m. EDT

The longest of game days for the New England Patriots ended with the most frustrating of evenings for them at Arrowhead Stadium. They lost to the Kansas City Chiefs, 26-10, Monday night in the game that was rescheduled from Sunday by the NFL because of positive coronavirus tests for both teams.

The night included a quarterback switch for the Patriots, a series of uncharacteristic New England blunders and a first-half officiating controversy over a would-be turnover by Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes.

The Patriots played without quarterback Cam Newton because of his positive coronavirus test, according to a person familiar with the result, and went with veteran Brian Hoyer over youngster Jarrett Stidham as their fill-in starter. It was an ill-fated choice.  
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