Where do I start?
It’s not just the offense that’s predictable. Opponents know what’s coming and figured out how to stop it.
It’s not just the lack of a reliable third receiver when Randy Moss and Wes Welker are covered. Whether it is a slot guy or the tight end, QB Tom Brady doesn’t trust them.
It’s not just that the Patriots are a first half team. They owned the second half in years past. Now they can’t put teams away, even with what used to be secure double-digit leads. Halftime adjustments are non-existent.
It’s not just a defense designed to be a bend but don’t break unit. They consistently fail in that regard.
It’s not just a lack of a pass rush that leaves the secondary hanging. Even when blitzing, it’s not a sure bet they’ll even pressure the quarterback.
It’s not just the secondary that plays it safe to a fault. For the most part they prevent big plays, but underneath routes consistently are open and teams execute long scoring drives.
It’s not just the broken tackles that turn what should be stops into first downs.
It’s not just the inability to play well on the road. Someway or somehow the Pats let games slip through their fingers.
It’s not just the red zone problems. New England leaves points on the field. And when opponents get within 20 yards, points are practically guaranteed.
It’s not just the coaching or the execution. It’s not just one thing or another. It’s everything and then some.
These are problems they haven’t fixed all season long, and probably won’t correct this year.
1. It was the fourth time the Patriots wore their 50th anniversary uniforms. The Pats are 2-2 in the throwbacks.
2. The Patriots were 1-3 in the red zone. One stop was a turnover after a failed 4th and one, and Brady was picked off in the endzone. The Pats are 9-for-17 in the red zone over the last four games. Subtract the field goals and it drops to 5-for-17.
3. WR Sam Aiken went from hero to goat. He made a beautiful catch over Miami CB Sean Smith for an 81-yard touchdown. But he also dropped two passes that hit his hands. The second one preceded the game-securing Brady interception.
4. Junior Seau finally was part of the rotation at ILB after standing on the sideline since mop-up duty against Tampa Bay. He finished with two tackles.
5. Just as I moaned about the play of CB Jonathan Wilhite, Darius Butler got the start in his place. He was treated like a rookie as Miami constantly tested him. Welcome to the league, Butler.
6. It was the first time the Patriots lost two consecutive games since 2006. They lost to the Indianapolis Colts and the New York Jets for their last losing streak.
Go for Two: Another bittersweet milestone for QB Tom Brady. He eclipsed 30,000 yards passing in his career…NT Vince Wilfork was flagged for a personal foul for “blocking” quarterback Chad Henne after he threw an interception. I thought QBs were fair game after picks? It was the lamest flag I’ve seen all year.
Questions? Comments? Send to talktome@randolphc.com
