There was a somber temper round New England after its ugly loss to the Jets, however there are causes to maintain the optimism alive.
The Patriots had been smacked by the New York Jets on Thursday, and there had been little positives to remove from Week 3. The offensive line was horrendous, the tackling was nonexistent and the large receivers merely existed.
This was the group analysts projected the Patriots to be, however Week 1 did present hope that this season wasn’t going to be a whole trainwreck. It nonetheless may not be, and we’ll dig into three the explanation why hope for a profitable season may very well be alive.
“Thursday Night time Soccer” variance
Let’s first dig into Week 3. Amazon paid a hefty worth to be the unique residence for “Thursday Night time Soccer.” It employed large names for its studio present, and it has Al Michaels and Kirk Herbstreit on the published. “TNF” nonetheless stinks, although. You’ll be able to in all probability depend on one hand the quantity of truly nice matchups we have gotten on “Thursday Night time Soccer.”
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Groups and gamers additionally hate it since you’re not allowed sufficient time to arrange for the matchup. It is a mixture of walkthroughs and lightweight apply, so recreation plans usually aren’t that complicated. What was misplaced in New England’s putrid effort was that New York wasn’t all that spectacular. Certain, Aaron Rodgers hit good throws every now and then, however to say the Jets are Tremendous Bowl contenders could be hyperbolic.
To offer the Patriots one other excuse, they’re going to get a full week of preparation the remainder of the best way and may come higher ready.
Simpler schedule forward
The 49ers are excluded from this argument — although San Francisco may very well be with out a number of playmakers, which may give New England an opportunity. However the Patriots will face a Miami Dolphins facet with out Tua Tagovailoa in Week 5. The Houston Texans will probably be a tricky opponent in Week 6, however the London recreation towards the Jaguars may be very winnable based mostly on Jacksonville’s play by way of two weeks. A full week of preparation towards the Jets at Gillette Stadium is one other winnable recreation. Will Levis is a nightmare ready to occur, and the Patriots get two straight matchups towards the groups with offensive strains simply as dangerous as theirs: Chicago Bears and Los Angeles Rams. You’ll be able to speak your self into a good quantity of wins, and the center of the season could be a perfect time for Drake Maye to look good towards what may very well be inferior competitors.
Potential reinforcements
New England’s large receiver room wants extra juice. It is laughable on the floor to say a participant with a torn ACL goes to supply that, however Kendrick Bourne was probably the most constant large receivers for the Patriots previously three seasons. Ja’Whaun Bentley’s absence was deeply felt Thursday. however Sione Takitaki’s return may assist and supply stronger depth on the place. Cole Unusual’s damage standing is unknown, but when he is capable of come again, that might be an enormous carry for the offensive line. Eliot Wolf additionally may work the telephones for a possible low-risk, high-reward choice that might assist add extra life after a deflating loss to the Jets.
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