New England Patriots - NESN.com
The New England Patriots have announced themselves as a title contender throughout a 10-game winning streak, but not everyone is sold.
NFL.com’s Kevin Patra called “fiction” on the Patriots being the best team in the AFC. The analyst claimed the league has “no great teams” in a sea of good, yet flawed squads.
“Perhaps no team defines the season more than the New England Patriots,” Patra wrote. “Mike Vrabel’s club has mowed down 10 consecutive opponents and enters the bye week at 11-2, one victory ahead of the 10-2 Broncos for the top spot in the AFC. The Pats have the inside track at the No. 1 seed, but does that make them the best team in the AFC? I remain unconvinced.”
Patra credited New England’s “superb” coaching staff and acknowledged that Drake Maye is playing MVP-caliber football. He also turned to a familiar critique when citing the team’s favorable schedule.
“I can’t overlook that they have feasted on cupcakes like they’re at a five-star bakery,” Patra said. “Eight of their 11 wins have come against teams currently sporting losing records … Clubs don’t control their opponents, so New England gets credit for handling its business, but that isn’t exactly a sign of greatness.”
Patra questioned an inconsistent pass rush and the offense’s struggles inside the red zone. In addition to worrying about injuries to the offensive line and defensive tackle Milton Williams, Patra wondered whether a young team can stay hot this winter.
“Does this roster still have depth to withstand injuries?” Patra asked. “The Patriots still need to prove themselves down the stretch. As with most teams whose best players are in the nascent stages of their careers, there is a lack of evidence that they can maintain their level of play.”
