Some quick thoughts form the Patriots-Steelers game this past Sunday:
-The Patriots run defense is horrendous. They get no push and can’t stop opposing teams running games.
-The secondary is far from the problem with the defense.
-Lack of talent in the front-7 is something the Patriots can’t overcome.
-The score doesn’t reflect the game. Pittsburgh would have won by a lot more if Ben Roethlisberger didn’t make some inexcusable mistakes.
-The Pats started the game with a big offensive play to Hogan. Many will want to use it as an example of why Brady needs to throw Hogan the ball more, but if you go back and watch the replay, you will see that Pittsburgh absolutely blew the coverage on that play.
-It should be concerning that the Patriots only mustered up 10 points against a lackluster defense.
-Huge drops by Edelman and White halted what I believe was the second drive of the game. Edelman has had some bad drops this year and looks a step off.
-Gronkowski no showed in a big game. He has been wildly inconsistent this year leading many to believe that he is dealing with an injury.
-Gordon was only targeted twice and produced 1 catch for 19 yards.
-Brady’s interception is concerning because it’s another uncharacteristic play for the second week in a row.
-Outside of maybe the first Dolphins game, the Patriots have not played a game this year where they have performed in all 3 facets of the game: Offense, Defense, and Special Teams. They just haven’t been playing Complete games.
My Take on the State of the Patriots – The Patriots will make the playoffs as the #2 or #3 seed. They desperately need the #2 seed. If the Patriots are the #2 seed, I see their ceiling being the AFC Championship game depending on their matchup in the Divisional Round. If the Patriots are the #3 seed, I would have them on upset alert if they were to play the Colts. Andrew Luck already came into Gillette earlier this year without T.Y. Hilton and shredded the Pats defense.
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