The Patriots have trouble on the road
Jan 1, 2017; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) is pressured by Miami Dolphins defensive tackle Earl Mitchell (90) during the first half at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
The Patriots not only have issues in Miami, they have issues with winning on the road. The Patriots losses this season have all come on the road: Jacksonville, Detroit, Tennesse, and Miami. It’s not like these are good teams either. They are beatable teams and the Patriots should be able to beat them. The problem is these teams treat games against the Patriots like it’s the Super Bowl. They prepare so well for the matchup with the Pats, then are terrible the following week. It’s like teams are out to get them. The defense doesn’t play well on the road either. They need to or it’ll be a short playoff run.
The defense has been inconsistent all season
The defense at home has 15 sacks, while away they have nine. They also allowed 14 touchdowns at home and 12 on the road. Not much of a difference there. Finally, the defense has six interceptions at home, and eight on the road. That proves the defense really hasn’t been playing well all season, regardless if it’s home or away. But to hold the Vikings to ten points one week, then let the Dolphins score almost every time they got the ball in the first half the next week, doesn’t make sense.
The real test will be Pittsburgh this week. If they lose this week it could be a factor for the number two seed. The number one seed, of course, is out of the picture after the debacle in Miami. They need to win on the road if they want to go to the Super Bowl again. The way they’ve been playing all season, and the mental toughness questions surrounding the defense, might make that a tough task. Doesn’t mean it’s not possible, but they would have a better shot if they were home.
