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Tom Brady and the New England Patriots lost in mostly ugly fashion in front of a national television audience on Sunday and with that comes the usual storm of just about anyone and everyone saying that this team’s unbelievable run is all but over.
We all know they’re saying that with mostly hope in their hearts because we’ve all seen this team down before only to then see them peak in the playoffs and head home to Boston for another Super Bowl parade.
This Patriots team has some serious issues, which were on display Sunday night. And those issues could lead to an early end to this season. But I don’t think we can start calling their Super Bowl winning run over just yet.
The scoreboard Sunday night showed that the Houston Texans beat the Patriots 28-22, but it really wasn’t as close as that. Brady and the Patriots were able to put a couple scores on the board late and narrowly missed out on an onside kick in the final minute.
Before those late scores (maybe they can learn something from those final minutes?), things were really ugly. Brady was visibly frustrated with his receivers, as NBC showed him on the bench yelling at his guys and flipping his helmet in disgust. We’ve seen this from him before, though, but this all feels a little different as the talent around him isn’t what he has been used to during his career.
Right now, however, there is some serious causes for concern with this offense. We know the team’s strength is their defense and all they need to do is score some points and let the D do the rest. But on Sunday the offense couldn’t help the defense until it was much too late. Brady, as he has been all season, was often rushed in the pocket and couldn’t come up with any big plays to keep drives going and put pressure on the Texans.
The Patriots obviously miss Rob Gronkowski, who could stretch the defense and make big plays over the middle, plays that not only bailed the offense out but often led to points. He’s no longer there, which is an issue.
Josh Gordon isn’t there anymore, either, which has to hurt the offense as you have to think his speed would be able to be utilized by Brady.
But here’s the thing – just about every other team in the NFL would love to have people think the sky was falling after a loss dropped them to a 10-2 record. It speaks to just how good this franchise has been over the years to have people generally concerned about their future.
The Patriots are now tied with the Ravens for the No. 1 record in the AFC but would be the No. 2 seed if the playoffs started today due to Baltimore’s win over New England last month. With explosive offenses led by Lamar Jackson and Patrick Mahomes calling the AFC home, things do not look great for Brady and the Patriots right now.
But here’s why New England isn’t done – the Patriots play the Chiefs at home next Sunday in what will be another big test. Then they go to Cincinnati in Week 15, which is likely an easy win. They then host the Bills, who will be coming off tough games with Baltimore and Pittsburgh. New England finally closes the season with a home game against the Dolphins.
So yes, the Patriots can still lose one of their last four games and still be the No. 2 seed in the AFC, a spot they’ve been in numerous times over the years.
The key will be if this offensive unit can figure out a way to patch things together enough to allow them to get back to putting up enough points to put the defense in position to lock down wins.
Brady is very frustrated and likely very angry. But he’s been here before and he must be looking forward to righting this ship and quieting doubters once again.
But if he doesn’t, this team could very well be sitting this Super Bowl out.
Week 13 NFL Awards: Drew Lock’s parents had a great reaction to his first TD.
Here is my weekly look back at the good, the bad, and the hilarious from Sunday’s NFL action with a gif-by-gif look back. This week we saw a great celebration by Drew Lock’s family after his first career TD pass, a very sad mascot in Indianapolis, and a lot more fun stuff. Push aside work for a bit and dive in.
Quick hits: Eagles get ripped… Dolphins lineman laughed at Eagles… And more!
– The Eagles choked in Miami and fans had fun crushing the brutal NFC East.
– This video of Miami’s Christian Wilkins pointing and laughing at the Eagles after the Dolphins’ trick-play TD is too good.
– Giants QB Daniel Jones got hit so hard in Sunday’s loss to the Packers that the ‘Y’ flew off his helmet. For real.
– If you watch one video today make it this one of Michigan State’s Josh Butler, whose parents died while he was at MSU, walking out for Senior Day with his two dogs. It’s an incredible moment.
(Follow me on Twitter at @anezbitt. It might change your life. Just don’t tell me about your fantasy team.)