Pats had a fantastic season when most in the media and even fans here thought they'd be among the worst in the league.
The OL and the offense finally got exposed and there was too much to overcome.
The defense played fantastic as long as they could, but it was like the Bart Scott joke earlier this week "We'd give the offense the ball at the opponent's 10 yard line and we'd end up punting".
Milton Williams and the pass rush had a rough night. He and a few others would beat their guy, but they couldn't close the deal and get to Darnold. Would it have made a difference if Williams got 3 sacks tonight like he should of? Probably not.
Christian Gonzalez settled the debate of drafting him or JSN. He played a great game tonight knocking down passes. He's getting paid this offseason.
Craig Woodson was another guy who stood out tonight. He's a willing downhill tackler.
As I stated in the Campbell thread, I'm seriously concerned about him. Prior to his injury, he's got a lower body strength problem that was ignored. He easily gets bull rushed into Maye which pretty much wrecks the play. Moving him to G as many want will not solve that problem. He needs to build strength or work on his technique.
They have to figure out what to do with Jared Wilson because he was awful all season.
Owenu will return at his number because cutting him will create another need on the OL they can't afford.
Rham did his best during the postseason and protected the ball well, but he's just very meh. They need a better bell cow back.
Drake Maye had a great 2nd season and was the runner up to MVP. However, he's got a lot to work on. I've said it before and say it again, he's got the same release speed no matter how fast a defender is coming at him. He always throws it as if he's playing in a 7 on 7. This is what's causing so many strip sacks.
The OL was so bad, the Pats need to seriously consider taking Diggs money at his number and apply it towards the OL. He has a $28M cap number and is owed $23.5M for 2026. That's way too much for a slot guy at his age who barely mustered 1,000 yards in a 17 game season. It's even worse when you break down his biggest games of the season. He's just not the same guy he was in Minnesota or Buffalo who was one of the best man beaters in the league. He's the exact opposite now being dead to rights when anyone mans up on him. I would be shocked if he returns.
Pats need to get more athletic at the TE position. And I'm tired of seeing Henry dropping passes.
Last but not least, the late 2015 game plan by McDaniels was infuriating. Collinsworth sensing early on that the offense was just playing not to lose so the defense could win it made me sick to my stomach. McDaniels has had this problem his entire career either turtling whenever he faces a talented defense or if there's an injury or two on offense.
