If the offense can be more consistent and allow the defense to play from ahead and make people throw the ball, the run defense issues can be somewhat marginalized. Look at the 2nd half after they got back in the game, they gave up some pass plays sure (long 3rd down screen, for example) but they were getting after Tannehill and made some plays in the pass game.
I won't argue about strength of competition or anything, the schedule is what it is, but they've lost 2 games by a total of 10 points. This is with all the injuries, lost parts, new parts, kinda getting screwed in the Jets game, and Brady struggling (note: struggling, not regressing, not washed up).
The defense isn't '85 Bears or '00 Ravens, they aren't throwing shutouts or setting records, but they are playing well enough to keep every game winnable. I know I'm not the first one on here with this reference, but grinding out games and outlasting the opponent through the full 60 minutes was a hallmark of the dynasty-era teams. Of course I'd prefer Brady being 25/28 for 325 yds and 4 TDs, Ridley with 100 yds and a 34-0 win every week. But in practical terms halfway through the season the Patriots have endured quite a bit of adversity and kept themselves in control of the division and they are competitive in every single game. I understand having concerns based on inconsistency, injuries, or other personnel problems, but there's a lot more reason for optimism. Pats fans above all others (well, except maybe 2000's Colts fans) should understand that you can't win the Super Bowl by dominating the first 8 games of the year. They're 6-2, so they're in the mix for the playoffs and even to get a first-round bye. Just keep getting better.
