The Patriots fell flat on their face for the second time in two weeks, dropping a stinkbomb to the 49ers 33-6. The loss dropped the Pats to 2-4, a full 2.5 games behind the 5-2 Bills in the AFC East. Next up is a trip to Buffalo on Sunday at 1:00 to try to stay in the race for the division.
There isn't much to say at this point. It feels more and more like the pre-Belichick days around here. In fact, it's starting to seem like the pre-Parcells days -- and that ain't good.
Biggest problems in Sunday's game:
- Cam Newton is too loose with the ball. Three INTs, all three of them on him, IMO.
- Terrible situational football; giving up big plays on 3rd-and-1 over and over; unacceptable.
- They have insufficient talent at linebacker. Losing their top four LBs in the off-season might well have destroyed their 2020 season. Ja'Whaun Bentley was awful unless he rushed the passer -- couldn't cover the pass and struggled against the run.
- Their secondary isn't playing up to its potential, not even close. I have more faith that they'd stuff a run on 3rd-and-3 than stop a pass on 3rd-and-10.
- The offensive game planning was poor to start the game and didn't adjust quickly enough (waiting until the half to come up with something that worked).
- For some reason they continue to return kickoffs when they should just kneel and take the ball at the 25 yard line. Gunner Olszewski fumbled one that could have ended the game before the second half even got started.
The few bright spots:
- Nick Folk went 2-for-2 on field goals.
- Damien Harris ran 10 times for 58 yards and was good on blitz pickup.
The Pats are in big trouble here. Newton has made it clear this is a one-year deal, and he'll be looking to cash in with a big free agent deal. If the Patriots keep losing, it's pretty certain that deal will be elsewhere.
They should do two things: start Jarrett Stidham at quarterback and consider trading valuable players before the November 3 trading deadline.
Belichick and company need to find out if Stidham is a potential answer for 2021 and beyond. Newton won't be back either way, so if it isn't Stidham, they have to start planning for the future.
As for trading players, it's fine if they want to wait until after Sunday's game to know for sure if this is a lost season. If they beat Buffalo, they will be just 1.5 games back, with a game against the same Bills at home late in the year.
However, if the Patriots lose to the Bills, the Pats need to be sellers at the trade deadline. Ship out anyone who can't help you next year -- unless they think the rebuild will take longer, in which case they could trade players who won't be helpful in 2022. Depends on where the braintrust thinks the team will be by then.
Where does this leave us? For this season, Sunday's game at Buffalo is make or break. Win and maybe the season will turn around. Lose and it's over. So if you want to watch meaningful local football, Sunday might be your last chance.
Biggest ongoing issue: Puh-lease, it's so many things.
Non-QB MVP: Nope, same answer as below.
Statistical oddity: The last two seasons in which the Patriots played only three games in October, they went winless each time - that includes 2020. (Trivia question: can you name the previous season? Answer below.)
Bonus oddity: The 27-point loss is the Patriots worst home loss in Gillette Stadium history.
Water-cooler wisdom: "Uggggh..."
Keep the faith, if you have any faith left,
- Scott
PS. 2-4!
PPS. Trivia Answer:
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The Patriots went o-fer October in 2002.
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The Patriots went o-fer October in 2002.
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