Christmas almost came early this year.
The New England Patriots almost completed a 22-point comeback against one of the more prolific offenses in the entire NFL, as the defense pitched a shut out in the second half and forced a few turnovers.
As the game rolled to the final minutes, it looked like the Patriots could just run the ball, drain the clock out and punch it in to seal off a victory.
But the Cincinnati Bengals punched the ball out of Rhamondre Stevenson’s hands, ending the game there and cutting the Patriots’ playoff hopes off in the moment.
Let’s not get too optimistic, as the Patriots still have numerous issues that are mostly stemmed from offensive coaching. Watching this game should tell people that this is not quarterback Mac Jones’ fault.
There is a clear need to get help all around him. Offensive tackles, receivers, tight ends, coaches—you name it. Virtually, everything on the offense has struggled to amount to much.
Let’s get into the leftover notes from this Christmas Eve matchup.