First, this is not the easiest schedule in the NFL. Maybe that was true in August, before we knew what really lay ahead. Seattle and Arizona are better than expected, the 49ers are pretty good, as is Houston, Baltimore, Denver, and even the Dolphins are better than expected.
Second, this team has loads of talent, but the execution just isn't there. It reminds me a bit of 2009, but I like this team a bit more than that one.
Time will tell.
I still think we'll murder the Jest next week.
Nicely reasoned post. I'll add a few more points from what I hope is a less-myopic perspective than most of what this thread comprises:
* Brady passed the ball 58 times, most in his career to date. This had more to do with what the league's top-rated defense was allowing vs. abandoning the run altogether. When the Pats did run, it simply didn't work well. And keep in mind that Bolden -- who had the best potential against Seattle's very physical defense -- left injured. Brady still performed well on a sloppy track; the two picks were bad but almost expected when you air it out 58 times. Remember: he STILL led the team to 23 points and well over 400 yards against the league's No. 1 defense.
* The intentional grounding at the end of the first half was a brain fart by Brady, especially with Gronk open in the right corner. But this might not all be on Tom, who was seen talking to Branch immediately after the play. It could be that Deon blew an end-line route. I support the call with 6 seconds left: On the road in bad weather it was worth the risk to practically put Seattle away in the first half.
* The injury absences on defense are pretty significant. Hightower and Gregory could've been difference makers yesterday (especially Gregory).
* I blame this loss more on pass defense than points the offense left on the field. Having rookies Dennard, Wilson and Ebner out there at the same time on the road, in the rain, under pressure situations just is not a good mix. Yes, the scheme/coaching might seem suspect and hopefully something can be adjusted there. But despite Seattle playing a rookie QB, he had solid protection and very good receivers to throw to, so the final outcome was understandable if disappointing.
* I think our fortunes going forward depend on health in the secondary. Remember how last year BB was able to hold it together well enough with duct tape and baling wire to win 13 games. Even with a similar situation this season, the defense STILL is improved.
* The Pats have lost two non-conference games and still have the inside track to winning the division. At this stage of the season, that's all that matters. With 10 games to go there's plenty of time and opportunity to fix the pass defense for a playoff run.