Generally bad teams don't blowout other generally bad teams on consecutive weeks, even more so when those games are on the road.
The Pats' shut out the Lions who were at that point the best offensive team, based on stats, in the league. They then shut down the best performing running back in the league. They made Aaron Rodgers look silly bad for most of that game.
I said it before, if you know anything about football and Belichick teams, there is simply no way this team only wins 6 or 7 games. The defense is too good. Belichick teams always get better as their seasons progress.
I said 10-7 to start the year. I see no reason to change that prediction.
I hate to say this because I agree with you about BB teams of the last 20+ years, but I don’t see post-Brady teams (yet) as quite the same in terms of getting it together down the stretch. But, in addition to BB, there are hopeful signs that this team could continue getting better.
well the 2 seasons post Brady the Patriots have closed each season losing 3 of the last 4 regular season games, so you know the opposite of finishing well.
They also lost 4 of their last 6 in 2019 (playoffs included) and IIRC, went 2-2 the final 4 weeks in 2018 with Brady. For some odd reason it's an issue the team has. Maybe some of it is injuries, fatigue, guys getting worn down.
Last year in particular it seemed like Judon, Barmore, etc. faded down the stretch. Judon dealt with COVID but I also think it has to do with workload. I just hope they do a better job managing the workloads. The 2nd half schedule is tougher but also, it's obviously a longer season than before with the extra game so that's definitely a factor.
It's also why for guys like Mac Jones, Lawrence Guy, etc. I'm not advocating they rush anyone back if it's not needed since we're in a softer part of the schedule, and also because it's more important to have our guys healthy and more engaged in the 2nd half and potentially into January
