THE PATRIOTS CARD
Home field: Gillette Stadium
Coach: Bill Belichick
Offensive star: WR Jakobi Meyers
Defensive star: DE Matthew Judon
2021 Season: Lost 47-17 to Bills in Wildcard game
Super Bowls: 2001, 2003, 2004, 2014, 2016, 2018
Greatest Player: QB Tom Brady
Factoid: The Pats won a record 11 straight divisional titles from 2009-2019
They are the great dynasty in NFL history. They had the greatest quarterback in NFL history. They have the best coach in NFL history.
The question is, without Tom Brady and with coach Bill Belichick making decision as if he wants to prove he’s the smartest guy in any coaching room, are the Patriots history.
After winning a record 11-straight AFC East titles, the Patriots have now gone three seasons without a crown. Take a look at the roster and you tell us:
Is there a star on offense?
Mac Jones seems like a wonderfully goofy young man who makes excellent decisions. He won’t beat himself, but one wonders if he can put an NFL offense on his back and win games.
The Patriots have gone with running back by committee for years and now they have wide receiver by committee. Belichick used his first-round pick (No. 29 overall) on lineman Cole Strange from Tennessee-Chattanooga – not Tennessee – and intends to start him at left guard.
The defense is very good, possibly excellent, and should keep New England in every game. But in an era of pass-crazy offenses and video-game scoring, a defense can’t be counted on to win games.
And while the Pats were mourning the loss of Brady and TE Rob Gronkowski, the Buffalo Bills were putting together a tough and talented squad, led by Josh Allen, who is the anti-Jones is many ways. He has such amazing athleticism he’s The Improvisation Kid.
Belichick has more than earned the benefit of the doubt trophy. The Pats did make the playoffs last season but they were obliterated by those Bills.
There is talent, culture and coaching in New England. But for a franchise that has won six Super Bowls, the fanbase has come to expect Lombardi Trophy or bust. Bust seems to be more likely in coming years.