Well folks, if you are like me, I’ll bet you are glad that the first game is over. The Pats got a slice of humble pie that I believe they needed. On a positive note, I believe that the loss to KC will prove a true blessing in disguise.
FOXBORO, MA – SEPTEMBER 07: Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots reacts on the sideline during the second half against the Kansas City Chiefs at Gillette Stadium on September 7, 2017 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
Why I Think the Loss Will Help Us
The loss to the Chiefs at Gillette on September 7th was more than a little disheartening to Patriots’ fans. A large portion of Patriot Nation already planned out the SB route for next February. Even before we had played one quarter. I believe some of the players believed the hype, even though Coach Belichick would definitely say otherwise. There are reasons you play the games, because anything can happen. The Patriots lost, Hightower and Amendola before the last play and it looked like all was lost. To tell the truth, it made it evident to fans and even coaches that the Patriots had some work to do.
I believe the media can be blamed as culprits for starting the perfect season pressure for the 2017 season. With the loss to the Chiefs, the Patriots just have to go out and play their games. The pressure to win to keep up the undefeated string went up in musket smoke, as did “dreaming the impossible dream”. By not having that large monkey hanging off their backs, the Pats may just run the table now out of sheer determination.
What The Loss Will Show Us About The Patriots
This recent loss will truly be a blessing to the coaching staff of the Pats because they will constantly remind the players of it. Knowing players like Brady, Amendola, Hightower, and many others, they just want to get back to winning. The loss will also show us that the team will have to go back to “Patriot Fundamentals” and just “do their job”. Not trying to do too much or something that is just not your strength got the team wrapped around the axle. Brady firing the bomb way too often, and running up the middle without extra blockers — just a couple of examples of what I’m talking about.
Anyone who knows me also knows that when the Patriots’ offense slows down, I’m always screaming the same thing at the TV. “Go to up tempo no huddle” and whenever we do, it succeeds. The offense finds a rhythm and the opposing defense just ends up being gassed. This stops them from putting up much of a challenge. That would be our savior on one side of the football, but our defense may need more tweaking than that.
HOUSTON, TX – FEBRUARY 05: Head coach Bill Belichick of the New England Patriots looks on from the sideline during the third quarter against the Atlanta Falcons during Super Bowl 51 at NRG Stadium on February 5, 2017 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
What The Defense Can Learn From The Loss
We saw more than a few little gaps exposed on the Patriots’ defensive unit during the loss against Kansas City. It is very evident to myself that Dont’a Hightower is truly the key to our defense. His role became painfully evident when he left the game. Other players and the coaches could truly see that for themselves. A solid effort is going to be required by the defensive unit this week against the Saints. Getting pressure on Drew Brees is always the key, and the Minnesota Vikings did a great job of that this week. Getting QB pressure has been challenging for the Patriots’ defense. The D unit is going to have to find a way this week to get the W,.
How do you get pressure on the QB when you are struggling to do so? That’s easy in my opinion. You do things that your opponent does not expect. If you bring pressure on Brees from the safeties, corners, or even blitz LBs up the middle at unexpected times you will have success. The key to this? Getting in Drew Brees’ face.
I believe the running game for the Saints should be non-existent if our D-line plays the way we know they can. Forced into the passing game, the defense has to hurry Brees. The defense also has to cover the backs out of the backfield. Those are Brees’ safety valves, lacking a multitude of other offensive weapons to bail him out. By blitzing, it will be difficult for Brees to use his other reliable safety valve of Colby Fleener. Fleener would be required to block for Brees or risk getting him creamed..
All Is Not Lost
Everyone soon will see that the loss against the Chiefs was a true blessing in disguise for the Patriots. No more listening to the reporters and analysts go on about the flawless season, and if it can be kept up. Listening to the coaches and knowing that if you all “do your job” than this team should win. I truly believe we have a great chance of this team hoisting another Lombardi trophy in Minnesota next February. Do not give up hope. e have the best leaders in the sport on this team. Let’s go Patriots!
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