It's not often that I exhale and say "FINALLY" when a Patriots game ends, but today was one of those days. Again, I know this game meant absolutely nothing as far as the playoffs go, but for me (and Bill and Brady, I'm sure), how we played today says a lot as we head into the postseason. It was another slow start, all around; Revis allowing the 43-yard completion to Watkins, hardly any pass rush until mid-second quarter, the absolutely frustrating offense, and the pitiful offensive line performance...just a brief summary.
77% of Pats fans on Twitter: "we don't need to worry. We have a ton of starters on the bench, today."
You could maybe make that case offensively, but defensively? Ehh. Revis, Collins, Chandler Jones, Nink, Wilfork, and McCourty, and Ryan all played in the first half. Heading into halftime, we trailed 17-6. Over the past 5 games, our defense had allowed only ONE red zone touchdown. Today, we allowed 2 in the first half, alone. I'm not freaking out, nor do I feel like we should be, but I do think our defense needs to be revamped before our first playoff game. Back to the shutdown, physical, dominant defense we got so used to seeing during our 7 game win streak, please.
On the other side of the ball, it's bad when field goals are the only points you can put up. It's worse when it's week 17, too. We didn't have Jules, Gronk, Gray, Connolly, or Vollmer, which does make a huge difference, but ever since the loss to Green Bay, our offense has noticeably struggled. And it all starts with the offensive line. The lack of pass protection and inability to block for our running backs is hurting us, just like it did in the first four games of the season. Hopefully we use the bye week to our advantage. Whatever the Pats did after the blowout loss to Kansas City, do it again. The best way to start our playoff run would be a dominant performance like we put on against Cinci. We're the #1 seed (thankfully), but we still have a long way to go and a lot to work on.
Two wins at home and we're headed to the Super Bowl. Another repeat of today's game, and we'll be watching the Super Bowl from home, instead of playing in it. Starting from Belichick, down to McDaniels and Patricia, to Brady & co, everyone has to do better. I believe they will, because I know how bad they want it. A frustrated, pissed off, postseason Brady? I like it.
We're on to the playoffs.
Go Pats.
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