The New England Patriots waved the white flag pretty early Sunday.

Bill Belichick’s squad found itself down 24-0 in Sunday’s contest with the Saints but had a chance to get on the board in the middle of the third quarter at Gillette Stadium. All the Patriots had to do was convert a fourth-and-3 from New Orleans’ 40-yard line, which would have essentially pushed them into field goal range.

Instead, they punted.

As one could imagine, Patriots fans weren’t thrilled with that decision.

Story continues below advertisement

New England’s defense forced a three-and-out, but the Patriots’ next offensive possession ended after they lost 2 yards on first down and New Orleans forced a pair of incompletions.

Story continues below advertisement

Featured image via Bob DeChiara/USA TODAY Sports Images