Week 3. It looks dire, but it can still get better. Get a grip.
It's not a question of getting a grip. Do I think the Patriots will play better as the season goes on?? Yes, absolutely. Do I think this year feels very different given the dynamics within the organization?? Very much so.
This team has glaring weaknesses particularly on defense. They cannot overcome those weaknesses. You cannot teach speed and athleticism and they have precious little at the LB and safety positions. They are getting eaten up in the middle of the field and that gameplan will continue. They are also pretty average to mediocre on the D and O lines.
The QB put in zero offseason work with the team, zero offseason work with the new rookie RB, the new receivers and it shows. Also shows in Brady's performance, has been very up and down with his game. The offense is slow to get going every game. That trend started LAST season. Lack of leadership is also showing. Pouting and throwing the helmet, looking down the bench and screaming as you're sitting on your arse is not very mature for the GOAT. But we have seen this behavior before. The TE has been a non-factor past 2 games. 6' 7" and they can't find a way get him the ball?? He also didn't put in any work with the team in the offseason and didn't get a fat new contract. The TE got a contract where he has to work for his money and the way this season has started he will have trouble making all the performance based $$$. Injuries/suspensions have hurt the WR corp. Making that situation worse is the highest paid assistant coach in football crafting baffling gameplans where the better players on O (Burkhead, White) are being limited in their time on the field. And the playcalling….UGH!!! Zero creativity. Hey Josh, it's called a screen pass. Hey Josh, how about misdirection plays. How about using the double teams on Gronk to open up areas you can attack on their D?? UGH!!
I predicted 11-5 and no SB appearance for this team and stand by that assessment.
They'll play better and get better as a team as the season goes on. I don't see this as a championship team this season or going forward. Age, drafting position d/t their success every year and some poor drafting decision have the Patriots with a thin and athletically challenged roster.
Been a hell of a run. Amazing success!!
Unfortunately there is too much to overcome ......too much bad blood internally, too much of the thin roster d/t injuries (loss of Malcolm Mitchell was big, Hightower is not the same player) and mediocre drafting over the past few years.
Only question left is how will this HOF marriage between Belichick and Brady end and when.
