Unfamiliar Territory

Following an embarrassing loss on the road in Kansas City, Patriots fans are left with questions, concerns, and doubts. With a record of 2-2 and tied for first place in the AFC East, the Patriots find themselves in unfamiliar territory in the Belichick era. We lack a true, certain identity. So far this season, not one positive thing jumps out at you. The Patriots aren’t the offensive powerhouse they were just two seasons ago. Over the offseason, defense was said to be much improved, and many people believed that they would be among the best in the league this season. We have yet to see a consistent performance by our defense.

After being shutout in the first half, Brady finally connected with Brandon LaFell for a 44 yard touchdown, late in the third quarter. Brady lost a fumble and threw two interceptions, one of which was returned for a touchdown. After throwing the pick six, Brady was benched and Jimmy Garoppolo went in. Yes, you read that right, Brady was benched. During his first NFL regular season debut, Garoppolo drove the offense down the field and connected with Rob Gronkowski for a touchdown, stirring many debates on Twitter. Surely the Patriots wouldn't even consider benching Brady and starting Garoppolo, right? Or would they?

Ask anyone who watched the game, and they'll pretty much tell you that Brady did not look like himself Monday night. They shuffled the offensive line around the entire game, to little avail. Brady was still rushed to make throws and seemed to be off target much of the night. One question a lot of fans are asking, is what happened to the hurry up, no huddle offense the Patriots once used so effectively to torment opposing defenses and quickly wear them out. This season, we have yet to see much of that, which is due in part to the lack of chemistry between Brady and his receivers. The only way to improve chemistry and build trust, is to put them on the field together in real game-time situations. 

End of an Era?

I do not think it is the end of Brady in New England...yet. I think, if anything, this game showed us that he's human, too. Many people are concerned that Brady is in decline. While there is some truth to that, there's a lot to take into consideration. Brady is 37, playing in his 14^th NFL season. Of course he's not going to put up the same numbers as he did in his late 20's, early 30's. The lack of quality players around him is also a major factor. Brady hasn't been given the offensive weapons he needs or deserves. He hasn't had a legitimate deep threat since Randy Moss left in 2007.

Far too often, the Patriots have settled when it comes to talent. They'll take the best talent they can get...within a certain price range. This holds especially true when talking about weapons for Brady. 




The past 2 years, we have drafted for the future, not the present. Belichick says he wants to do what's best for the team, but he has never specified if he's talking about this team, or a team still in the future. Brady needs help now and he hasn't gotten it. Which sparks another question: is it time for Belichick to be fired as GM? He is a great head coach, a football genius; but as a general manager, he leaves a lot to be desired. Right now it would be best for Belichick to focus solely on his job as head coach. He can continue to be involved in player/personnel decisions and negotiating contracts. He can still voice his opinions but he doesn't have to carry the full responsibility of a general manager. 

This loss would be easier to take if it was one problem that they could pinpoint and improve, but the Patriots were tragically awful all around. Defense couldn't make stops when they most needed to and they forgot how to tackle for the majority of the game. Offense couldn't get anything going and were scoreless until late in the third quarter. Offensive line continues to be an issue. Brady himself was part of the problem. He threw off target, looked uncomfortable, and admitted he forced the ball to his receivers.

Should there be a quarterback controversy in New England?

At this point, no. Regardless of his stats and performance, Brady deserves to be the starting quarterback. He has given too much of himself to this team to lose the job to a rookie quarterback. It is too early in the season to make that call, especially since he has not been given the tools he needs to do the job.

As always, Go Pats