The New England Patriots: A Transition Period

In the realm of American football, the New England Patriots have been a formidable force over the past two decades, thanks largely to the legendary Tom Brady. Their impressive run of on-field success became a source of pride for their fans, especially considering the franchise’s history before the Brady era wasn’t marked by major victories.

However, if you’re a younger Patriots fan, you might be gaining a deeper understanding of what your grandparents and parents have been talking about when they reminisce about the lackluster Patriots of yesteryears. As of now, the team seems to be on a path of mediocrity, sitting at an 0-2 record for the first time since 2001 after a recent loss to the Dolphins.

A Glimpse of the Present

This weekend’s game against the Aaron Rodgers-less Jets (1-1) may offer a chance for redemption, but it also highlights a harsh reality for the Patriots: they can secure victories against teams they “should” beat but struggle against stronger opponents. While they may not resemble a playoff-bound team, they also aren’t poised for a top-three draft pick. It’s a precarious position to be in.

To put things into perspective, the 2001 Patriots team eventually went on to win the Super Bowl, but it took a dramatic twist of fate, with Drew Bledsoe’s Week 2 injury paving the way for Tom Brady to step into the spotlight. This time around, there’s no Brady waiting in the wings.

The Burden on Mac Jones

In fairness to Mac Jones, anyone tasked with following in Brady’s footsteps as the Patriots’ franchise quarterback was bound to face immense scrutiny. Comparing anyone to Brady is inherently unfair because, quite simply, there’s no one like him. However, when fans have grown accustomed to exceptional quarterback play for as long as New England fans have, the bar is set impossibly high.

Moreover, the 2021 NFL draft saw Mac Jones drafted at No. 15, which was widely regarded as a gift for the Patriots considering he was expected to go higher. Jones also emerged from Nick Saban’s Alabama team, and given the close relationship between Saban and Patriots head coach Bill Belichick, it seemed as if the football gods were still favoring Foxborough.

A Controversial Coaching Decision

One can’t help but wonder if Bill Belichick inadvertently hampered Jones’ development by appointing Matt Patricia and Joe Judge as offensive coordinators last season. Belichick himself has stressed the critical nature of the offseason between a player’s first and second years in the NFL, and yet he saddled Jones with this unenviable duo.

While the return of Bill O’Brien as offensive coordinator raised hopes for positive change, the results haven’t manifested yet. New England’s offense appears uninspired and overly cautious. Against Miami, Jones completed just 5 of 15 passes attempted beyond 10 yards, and throughout the season, only two completions have gone for more than 20 yards. The offensive struggles are exacerbated by a subpar offensive line dealing with multiple injuries, with eight players having already been pressed into action.

The Quarterback’s Dilemma

While it’s true that Jones faces significant challenges, great quarterbacks find ways to win. Unfortunately, 33 games into his career, Jones hasn’t demonstrated that ability. He has only engineered one game-winning drive, and that occurred during his rookie season.

In both of New England’s games this season, Jones had opportunities to mount comebacks and begin building his legacy. Against the Eagles in the opener, despite a 16-0 deficit due to turnovers, Jones managed to cut the score to 25-20 with 3:37 left in the fourth quarter. However, despite having two more chances and all three timeouts, the Patriots couldn’t secure the needed touchdown.

The story repeated itself against Miami. The Patriots found themselves in an early hole, made a valiant effort to climb back, but ultimately failed to reach the end zone on their last possession due to an 8-yard sack on first down at the Miami 39, effectively sealing their fate.

A Dependable Defense

In the midst of offensive struggles, the Patriots can still rely on their defense, a hallmark of any Belichick-coached team. After a disheartening display in Week 1 when the Dolphins amassed 536 offensive yards, including 466 passing yards, New England managed to stymie Miami’s attack, limiting them to 24 points, compared to the 36 they scored against the Chargers.

However, even the most resilient defense can only do so much, especially in recent seasons. If the defense doesn’t perform at its peak, the offense often fails to compensate. In games started by Jones, the Patriots are 0-12 when the opposing team scores 25 or more points. In the post-Brady era, they hold a 10-12 record in games decided by seven points or fewer. This season’s two losses at Gillette Stadium have further underscored the team’s struggles, leaving them two games below .500 (25-27) at home during this period.

Looking Ahead

While there’s a glimmer of hope that the Patriots could rebound against the Jets this Sunday, a more challenging matchup awaits them in Dallas. These ups and downs, hope followed by disappointment, are becoming all too familiar for NFL fan bases across the league.

Unfortunately, it’s a sensation that Patriots fans may also have to get accustomed to. As the team navigates this transition period, only time will tell if they can recapture their former glory on the gridiron.