Yes, SIX games were one score losses. And NONE were the questionable eight point gap (need a TD *and* a two point conversion). This team, and I’m NOT saying it was good, was much better than 4-13. SIX one score losses. ALL legit “one score” (no eight pointers). I know this is a controversial take given how atrocious this team looked, hey, it’s just the fact (one score games)… this team is ONE step from the playoffs. No, that’s not a joke. Great defense which collapsed this season. Blame it on injuries. Blame it on culture. Whatever. It’s a great defense. I’m NOT delusional. I’m NOT saying the roster is great. Still could use a little help on that defense which I said was good. And that offense? Ugh. Needs a lot of work. But why is this perspective important? Because while they need a lot of help it’s probably less than most think. The D doesn’t need a rebuild. It needs a good coach, and maybe one or two pieces. Why is that important? It lessens the number of pieces you need. Again, it’s NOT a good team. Those pieces are needed. BUT… it’s a more limited number than many suggest. Meaning……….. they can fill those holes. Let’s see what they do in free agency and in the draft. I’m going to make a bold prediction… not only do the Pats improve next season, but they make the playoffs. Crazy? No. They were 4-13 with SIX one possession games. They only need to improve marginally to go 10-7, which is likely enough to make the playoffs. A few years ago the Pats were on the cusp of the playoffs with a possible 9-8 record. Point is, you don’t even need 10 wins to get to the playoffs. Nine does it under certain circumstances. I know it’s a crazy call but I’ll make it: Patriots make the playoffs in 2025-26.
9-8 team next year, guaranteed...
Yes, SIX games were one score losses. And NONE were the questionable eight point gap (need a TD *and* a two point conversion). This team, and I’m NOT saying it was good, was much better than 4-13. SIX one score losses. ALL legit “one score” (no eight pointers). I know this is a controversial take given how atrocious this team looked, hey, it’s just the fact (one score games)… this team is ONE step from the playoffs. No, that’s not a joke. Great defense which collapsed this season. Blame it on injuries. Blame it on culture. Whatever. It’s a great defense. I’m NOT delusional. I’m NOT saying the roster is great. Still could use a little help on that defense which I said was good. And that offense? Ugh. Needs a lot of work. But why is this perspective important?
Because while they need a lot of help it’s probably less than most think. The D doesn’t need a rebuild. It needs a good coach, and maybe one or two pieces. Why is that important? It lessens the number of pieces you need. Again, it’s NOT a good team. Those pieces are needed. BUT… it’s a more limited number than many suggest. Meaning……….. they can fill those holes. Let’s see what they do in free agency and in the draft.
I’m going to make a bold prediction… not only do the Pats improve next season, but they make the playoffs. Crazy? No. They were 4-13 with SIX one possession games. They only need to improve marginally to go 10-7, which is likely enough to make the playoffs. A few years ago the Pats were on the cusp of the playoffs with a possible 9-8 record. Point is, you don’t even need 10 wins to get to the playoffs. Nine does it under certain circumstances.
I know it’s a crazy call but I’ll make it: Patriots make the playoffs in 2025-26.