This could be a repeat of the 2009 season
Via SI.com
The Patriots are now 3-5 on the road after the loss to the Steelers on Sunday. This is the first time since 2009 the Patriots have lost 5 games in a season. It’s like what Belichick said to Brady in ‘A Football Life’ “I can’t get this team to play the way I want them to.” He said that after the New Orleans Saints game in 09, and remember they got shelled in the division round that season by the Baltimore Ravens. The Patriots struggles on the road continue, and Brady looks like he misses the receivers he had last year.
Unusual for the Patriots to lose two in a row in December
The only teams the Patriots have beaten on the road this season are the Bills, Jets, and Bears. The rest you’re left scratching your head as to why they lost to the Titans, Lions, Jaguars, Dolphins, and Steelers. Every time they play on the road, that team treats it like the Super Bowl, because it’s the Patriots. Then the following week they lose because they prepared too much for the Patriots.
I can’t remember the last time the Patriots lost back to back games in December. Right now is usually the time they play well and not make stupid mistakes. The Patriots had every opportunity to win that game Sunday and didn’t take advantge of Pittsburgh’s mistakes. Instead they made mistakes of their own. The drop passes and interception into double coverage is uncommon for this team, especially in December. They don’t play a real team until the playoffs start. The Bills and Jets matchups to end the season are over before they even start. Not only because the Patriots are home, but the Jets and Bills are terrible football teams.
Don’t expect a Super Bowl run for this team. As in 2009, they’ll lose in the first round. Could this be the beginning of the end? That’s hard to say because of what this team does after having a lousy season. They rebuild and be better next season. But at that point Brady will be 42 and who knows if Gronkowski will be on the team.