Patriots 2026-2027 Season

[Donoghus]

This isn't just a Pats problem. Most teams now don't really play preseason and focus more on the joint practices. Or they treat the joint practices as an "intense preseason".

Hell, the Seahawks actually had fewer padded practices than the Patriots going into the season opener too. Some of these teams just don't play their stars and even if they did, it was maybe one half of one game. Sure, maybe the Pats should have done that instead of not playing anybody at all, but to be honest I'm not even sure how 1-2 quarters of football in the preseason suddenly makes you "in sync" and automatically enhances the chemistry of the team rightaway.

Belichick said this in the past and I think it's kind of the unspoken truth. The first 4 weeks (month) of a season is basically an extension of the preseason, and with the added week of regular season making it 18 weeks I think it's even more the case now. Yes I know it was a game across the world in Australia, but even the "superteam Rams" looked absolutely flat in their game early this season vs Niners. There's been a lot of ugly football to start.

1-2 quarters won't magically make you in-sync with teammates, but it will help highlight where your gaps are better than practice will. Then you can use practices to help close those gaps.

Absolutely.  With football, the difference between practice & actual game play is very significant.  I understand the injury risk with preseason but a byproduct of that is going to be rusty play early on and, unfortunately for the Pats, losing a regular game they should've won because of the rust.

[Goldstar88]

This isn't just a Pats problem. Most teams now don't really play preseason and focus more on the joint practices. Or they treat the joint practices as an "intense preseason".

Hell, the Seahawks actually had fewer padded practices than the Patriots going into the season opener too. Some of these teams just don't play their stars and even if they did, it was maybe one half of one game. Sure, maybe the Pats should have done that instead of not playing anybody at all, but to be honest I'm not even sure how 1-2 quarters of football in the preseason suddenly makes you "in sync" and automatically enhances the chemistry of the team rightaway.

Belichick said this in the past and I think it's kind of the unspoken truth. The first 4 weeks (month) of a season is basically an extension of the preseason, and with the added week of regular season making it 18 weeks I think it's even more the case now. Yes I know it was a game across the world in Australia, but even the "superteam Rams" looked absolutely flat in their game early this season vs Niners. There's been a lot of ugly football to start.

1-2 quarters won't magically make you in-sync with teammates, but it will help highlight where your gaps are better than practice will. Then you can use practices to help close those gaps.

Absolutely.  With football, the difference between practice & actual game play is very significant.  I understand the injury risk with preseason but a byproduct of that is going to be rusty play early on and, unfortunately for the Pats, losing a regular game they should've won because of the rust.

I don?t think they lost because of rust. They lost because Drake was making terrible decisions.

[A Future of Stevens]

Patriots elevated Aj Brown off IR today opening the 21 day window for his comeback.

I don't think he plays this weekend, but id guess he sees some action the following week on TNF. Probably not a full load, but its a good sign hes heading back to practice today

[Silas]

r/Patriots
[Ian Rapoport] The #Patriots will likely activate WR AJ Brown off Injured Reserve to play against the #Jets on Sunday, sources say. Brown returned to practice this week after a stint on IR with a high-ankle sprain and now an anticipated return to the field.

[Vermont Green]

AJ Brown dropping balls all over the place.  2 in a row on that last drive.  One an absolute pitch and catch for what would have been an important first down.

[Neurotic Guy]

AJ Brown dropping balls all over the place.  2 in a row on that last drive.  One an absolute pitch and catch for what would have been an important first down.

Blew a perfect throw for TD earlier.  He?s been seriously costly today.

[SparzWizard]

This Kiner guy could ball. Rushed all over the Jets today

[Vermont Green]

Why are they even talking about going for it.  Just kick it.

[Vermont Green]

This Kiner guy could ball. Rushed all over the Jets today

Very interesting that he is who they went to at the end.  I guess they view him as least likely to fumble.

A bit ugly at times, but looks like it will be a nice win.

[Silas]

This Kiner guy could ball. Rushed all over the Jets today

Very interesting that he is who they went to at the end.  I guess they view him as least likely to fumble.

A bit ugly at times, but looks like it will be a nice win.

I'll take anyday with a win.  Hope Brown is ok, looked bad today with all the drops.

[Vermont Green]

and the injuries to the OL.  Yikes

[Vermont Green]

AJ Brown botched the on-sides kick off too.  Almost really cost us.  He clearly has the yipps.  Had it in the Superbowl also. 

[A Future of Stevens]

I'm not worried about Brown. He doesn't have a history of drops by any means. I think he will be fine.

The o-line terrifies me though. They are up to what? 5 offensive line injuries? Maye has reverted to super Maye (11 total td to 1 pick in 3 weeks) but hes going to have to play without any protection in 4 days. I worry that he may be impacted by being under siege.

[Vermont Green]

I'm not worried about Brown. He doesn't have a history of drops by any means. I think he will be fine.

The o-line terrifies me though. They are up to what? 5 offensive line injuries? Maye has reverted to super Maye (11 total td to 1 pick in 3 weeks) but hes going to have to play without any protection in 4 days. I worry that he may be impacted by being under siege.

Did you watch the Superbowl?  It was very similar to this game, except there was no on-sides kick off to nearly botch.  He missed multiple simple catches.  I am worried.  I think it is all in his head but nonetheless. 

I am also very worried about the OL.  The injuries are just ridiculous  It is a big issue for the game on Thursday in my mind.

[Neurotic Guy]

I'm not worried about Brown. He doesn't have a history of drops by any means. I think he will be fine.

The o-line terrifies me though. They are up to what? 5 offensive line injuries? Maye has reverted to super Maye (11 total td to 1 pick in 3 weeks) but hes going to have to play without any protection in 4 days. I worry that he may be impacted by being under siege.

Did you watch the Superbowl?  It was very similar to this game, except there was no on-sides kick off to nearly botch.  He missed multiple simple catches.  I am worried.  I think it is all in his head but nonetheless. 

I am also very worried about the OL.  The injuries are just ridiculous  It is a big issue for the game on Thursday in my mind.

Of the injuries on the line, who is likely to come back and who is unlikely. I know Onwenu is done.

Also, what can they do to bolster the line via trade. Mid-year there will be teams glad to pick up draft assets.