Patriots Will Live or Die in LA
This Patriots’ edition is tough to figure out. One week they bow to the offensively challenged Denver Broncos followed by losses to the 49ers and Bills. Then they eke out a win over the woeful Jets, which felt like a loss, only to wake up the next week and stun the Ravens.
Maybe they’re not so bad after all? Well, just wait a week because they then dropped a 27-20 decision to the Titans and stood at 4-6 with their prospects against the up and coming Cardinals looking bleak. The only thing that looked bleaker last week was Cam Newton’s passing but the Patriots overcame that deficiency and clinched a 20-17 victory off the foot of Nick Folk in the waning moments of the game.
ESPN Patriots insider, Mike Reiss, reported, “Cam Newton appeared to be saying “I’m sorry, man” to OC Josh McDaniels as the Patriots’ celebration began after Nick Folk’s game-winning field goal. While Newton gutted through a challenging day, his 14-yard run (and then the 15-yard penalty) was critical to set up final kick.”
So, what now? Who are the New England Patriots? How do you handicap this team as they head to LA for a double dipper against the Chargers this week and then the Rams next week? Speaking of handicapping, the Patriots are a pick’em for this game at Nitrogen Sports on the road against the Chargers.
Tough Road to Hoe
As stated, the Patriots are backed against the wall at 5-6 on the season and will more than likely need a 10-6 record to sneak into the postseason as a wild card entry. But right now, the prospects of them winning out is slim and none. However, when you have the greatest coach in the history of the game roaming the sidelines then it’s not out of the realm of possibility.
The Patriots will likely stay in LA after their game against the Chargers because the Rams will be their next opponent and the Pats won’t have to move even an inch because both the Bolts and the Rams share SoFi Stadium.
Assuming New England gets by the Chargers this week, the test the following week against the Rams will be the sternest remaining. Jared Goff has been a more mature, composed presence this season as evidenced by his highest completion rate to date at nearly 68 percent.
Week 15 will see the Patriots in their third consecutive game on the road when they take on the new and improved Miami Dolphins. As you know, the Pats put the screws to the Fish in the opening week of the season in a 21-11 victory. A repeat of that performance is essential if Bill’s Boys get through their pair of LA battles.
Fortunately, the Patriots will return to Gillette in Week 16 but unfortunately, they will have the AFC East leaders coming to town. The Buffalo Bills will try to sweep the season series after 24-21 Week 8 victory, and if they do, you can say sayonara to a postseason miracle.
Imagine this scenario. The Pats vanquish the Chargers, Rams, and Dolphins on the road, defeat the division-leading Bills at home and then lose to the woeful New York Jets on the final week of the season! That thought is not for the faint of heart if you are a Patriots fan. However, only time will tell if New England can get to that point. The first test begins this week!