The struggles on the Patriots’ offensive line loomed large following Sunday’s 23-20 overtime loss to the Seahawks.

After helping New England establish a ground-and-pound game in the team’s Week 1 upset win over the Bengals, the Patriots’ O-line regressed in several facets against Seattle, especially pass protection.

With QB Jacoby Brissett given limited time to operate in the pocket and scan the field, the veteran was often forced to scramble to avoid bone-crunching hits. Hunter Henry stood as the lone reliable receiving threat once plays broke down. 

Even though Henry gained 109 receiving yards, New England’s wideouts only had three catches for 19 yards in the loss. The Patriots’ offense became more and more one-dimensional as the game carried on. 

Brissett managed to avoid pressure for most of the first half, but Seattle landed some heavy hits once New England’s O-line started to wear down. Brissett was sacked three total times on Sunday and was hit another eight times. 

Speaking on WEEI’s “The Greg Hill Show” on Monday, Jerod Mayo was candid when asked about New England’s O-line play so far this season. 

“I thought the pass protection was average at best,” Mayo said. “They brought guys from different sides of the field. Even when they rushed four, they were able to get back there to Jacoby.

“It doesn’t have to be a sack to affect the passing game. Just bodies around the quarterback affect the passing game. We have to do a better job protecting Jacoby, and that’s on the offensive line, the running backs and the tight ends.”

New England’s passing game has been severely limited by their pass-protection struggles. The Patriots only generated one pass attempt that traveled 20-plus yards in Sunday’s loss.

A rookie like Drake Maye might offer a higher upside in terms of his arm strength. But, putting such a gifted QB behind this O-line would likely spell disaster.

As noted by NBC Sports Boston’s Phil Perry, the Patriots have allowed the NFL’s second-highest pressure rate on offense at 44.3 percent through two games. 

Things also might be getting worse before they get better on New England’s O-line, especially with the team staring at a quick turnaround before Thursday’s primetime game against the Jets at MetLife Stadium. 

New England released a projected injury report on Monday, with three starters on the offensive line put on the “did not participate” list in center David Andrews (hip), guard Sidy Sow (ankle), and tackle Vederian Lowe (knee).

Two other starters were tabbed as limited in tackle/guard Mike Onwenu (wrist) and offensive guard Layden Robinson (shoulder).