The New England Patriots have been a somewhat confusing team this season. Even with an 8-3 start and a commanding lead in the division, three embarrassing road losses have raised glaring questions about the team’s late-season potential. With that, we’re looking ahead at the remainder of the Patriots season.
New England Patriots 8-3 Following Slow Start to Season
Embarrassing Road Losses to Inferior Teams
The Patriots losses have come at the hands of the Jacksonville Jaguars, Detroit Lions, and Tennessee Titans – three teams that combine for a 12-20 record. In addition to losing to inferior teams, the Patriots weren’t even competitive in those matchups. Ultimately, New England was outscored 91-40 in those losses.
Still, as the Patriots always seem to do, they weathered a rough September. New England ripped off six straight wins before falling to Tennessee. After the week of rest, the Patriots looked impressive as they handled the New York Jets 27-13 with the helpful returns of Sony Michel and Rob Gronkowski.
A Reinvigorated Offense
The return of a healthy Gronk is the most inspiring aspect of the Patriots offense going forward. Gronk’s presence as an every-down run blocker provided dramatic assistance to the Patriots rushing offense. James White, Cordarrelle Patterson and Michel exploded for 215 rushing yards – with Michel providing the one rushing touchdown.
Also apparent were the positive effects rest had on Tom Brady, as he averaged 9.1 yards per attempt en route to a 283-yard performance comprised of two touchdowns and a 115.4 passer rating. The Patriots will need Brady’s steady hand and the continued presence of Josh Gordon to get through the last stretch of games and secure a first-round bye in the playoffs.
Looking Ahead
The Patriots already have a tiebreaker in hand with the Kansas City Chiefs leading the AFC, and face a much softer schedule than the Chiefs to close the remainder of the season. While the Chiefs get two matchups with the hapless Oakland Raiders in their final five games, those matchups are bookends to a stretch in which they’ll take on the Los Angeles Chargers, Baltimore Ravens, and Seattle Seahawks.
Meanwhile the Patriots will face an opposing win percentage of just .475 down the stretch of the season, with a marquee matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers on December 16th. It just wouldn’t be Patriots football if the team didn’t get a battle for a bye week against the Steelers in mid-December.
The Patriots are still in-play for home-field advantage throughout the playoffs. The potential tiebreaker against the Chiefs will set the scene. Also important to note is the Patriots have three games against divisional opponents remaining. After Sunday, the Patriots are 13-1 in their last 14 games against the AFC East.
Despite the three ugly losses, the Patriots find themselves in familiar territory. Their destiny remains in their own hands. The potential return of Rex Burkhead next week will get the offense operating at full speed for the first time all year.
It goes without saying that the New England Patriots still can’t be counted out. We can always count on Tom Brady and company to remind us why.
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