Patriots Lose Their Touch

Nick Serpa, Staff Writer
December 17, 2009
Filed under Opinions, Sports

The New England Patriots have, in many regards, taken steps back in the 2009-2010 season. The Pats have quickly gone from being one of the AFC’s super powers (along with the Indianapolis Colts) to being a bit of a push over. So what exactly has happened to the former 18-1 New England Patriots?

Where are the days of ridiculous passes from Tom Brady to Randy Moss (in double, even triple coverage)? Quite simply they’re gone. Everyone knows the Patriots didn’t deserve to win in week one at Buffalo. With a 60% Red Zone efficiency, a 0% 4th down efficiency and not to mention barely squeaking by with a 25-24 win, things started out bleak with a side of silver lining for the 09’-’10 season. Week two only highlighted further on the Patriots inability to capitalize on 3rd down (a 27% efficiency rate) conversions and their ability (or inability rather) to score in the red zone (33% efficiency). In a game filled with hype, the Patriots came to the show with the ability to put a hush on Rex Ryan’s running mouth. But instead, the Patriots walked away from the Meadowlands with a 19-6 loss to the (now lowly) New York Jets.

Now in week 15, the New England Patriots sport an unimpressive 7-5 record in a season that seems like it could be a roller coaster for the fans. I’ll give the Patriots this: had they won in Miami in week 14 and actually closed the door on Indy in week 10 (instead of invited them in for then selling them the house, if you know what I mean) the Patriots could very, VERY easily be a more respectable 9-3. But I think we all know the truth.
 

The question on every Patriots-fan mind: What’s wrong with the once Super Bowl contending Patriots? Let me decide where to begin… How predictable are the Pats nowadays? The Patriots had 29 pass plays in the loss against Miami (I think they are getting used, boys, lets try something new) with 2 interceptions to top it off. And what about their pass rush? If it seems almost non existent, you’re right. The Patriots have ZERO pass rush. (I think it’s time to get one, fellas) The running games seems to have gotten worse and worse each week, Laurence Maroney continues to underperform on a weekly basis (he averages 3.9 yards per rush in 12 games)

So, can this season be salvaged and can the Patriots make another Lombardi run? The short answer is yes, but at this point that seems about as likely as you laughing at one of my jokes. It’s a little too lucid for my taste how far gone the golden years are for the Pats, but with a little luck they just might be able to make a solid run going into the playoffs. My prediction: Playoff spot: yes. Lombardi Trophy: No. Loss in round 1: Unfortunately so.