What Is Happening?

By: Rhianna Dozier 

Last season, the Patriots were 12-4, and now at week 6 of the 2020 season, they are 2-4. So, what the hell happened? 

If you ask anyone outside of New England, they will tell you it's because Tom Brady left the team. No, just no. I refuse to believe that Tom Brady was the entire Patriots team. It's just not right. However, if you ask anyone from New England, they will tell you that our offensive line can't hold the other team's defense back, and our quarterbacks seem to have trouble with their hand-eye-coordination. 

Again, what does this mean? 

Well, when the Patriots bring their 2-4 to Buffalo next Sunday, there might be a cold change in the atmosphere: defeat. Now, I'm not talking about New England's defeat against Buffalo that may or may not happen. I'm talking about the sense of "giving up" on the season, something the Patriots have never done before under the coaching of Bill Belichick.  

Think about it: depending on how the game goes for the Patriots against Buffalo, Belichick might be in the mood to do some roster clean up on the eve of the N.F.L.'s Nov. 3 trade deadline. The Patriots are not a team that gives up. We know that from the Super Bowl in 2017. However, in this case of the season, judicious rebuilding would be more sagacious than trying to redeem themselves for the season's losses. 

Of course, this would be an all-time humiliating low for the Patriots. To wait until the very last minute, the eve of Nov. 3, to trade the players who cannot carry their weight and accept the fate that lies before them: for the first time in 10 years, they will not be making the playoffs. Nonetheless, none of this would be more disgraceful than what the Patriots lived through Sunday evening against the 49ers. 

The former backup quarterback for the Patriots Jimmy Garoppolo, who Belichick traded to the 49ers in 2017, came back to his original home to Foxborough, Mass., and completely annihilated his former team. Quite the slap in the face to Belichick. To make matters worse, in Las Vegas, the other former star quarterback Tom Brady led the Buccaneers to a win 45-20 throwing four touchdown passes, keeping his Buccs in line for the Super Bowl at 43-years old. 

I never thought Brady could bring the Buccs to the Super Bowl, or even the playoffs in his first season with them. It was a shinning miracle that Brady brought the Patriots to a Super Bowl his first season and won back in the 2001-2002 season. Is it just me, or are we getting a weird sense of deja vu? 

Continuing on this downward spiral of the Patriot's reign, the New England's defensive line, which used to be ranked No. 1 in the league just last season, gave up 467 yards of offense on Sunday's game. I'm sure we can all just picture Belichick's stern, miserable face considering people recognize him to be the best defensive coach in N.FL. history. 

When asked what happened in the post-game interviews, Belichick answered with, "We were clearly out-coached, outplayed. Just out-everything." 

Hmm, you think? 

When reporters asked Newton what the issue was, he replied, "Me not playing good." 

Well, at least he admits he was a leading cause. 

If you look back at the footage of the last few minutes of the game, you'll see a picture that sums up the entire 4 quarters in one look. Newton on the bench and Julian Edelman next to him with a blank look in his eyes just like his final game score sheet. One reception for 13 yards. Come on Edelman, you're better than this. 

Jarrett Stidham comes in trying to resurrect some dignity for his team. Unfortunately, he does his usual play and throws a Patriots interception. What a mess. 

Hopefully, the Patriots received a wake-up call from last weekend's game and will enter Buffalo recharged and determined to salvage what is left of their team's status.