The Patriots would be the six-seed in the AFC if the season ended today, but there's certainly a case to be made that they're better than just the sixth-best team based on how they've been playing over the last month.
New England has won four in a row and has outscored its opponents 150-50 during that stretch, most recently pummeling the Browns 45-7 on Sunday. Only the Titans (six games) own a longer winning streak in the AFC.
Making his weekly appearance on The Greg Hill Show on Monday, CBS analyst and WFAN host Boomer Esiason said he believes the Patriots are one of the top two teams in the AFC right now.
"New England, right now, the way that they’re playing, is either the No. 1 or No. 2 team in the AFC," Esiason said.
Esiason described a "perfect storm" brewing for the Patriots, highlighting their strong defensive play and balanced offense, with an effective rushing attack (led by rookie Rhamondre Stevenson on Sunday) complementing a passing game that keeps getting better as Mac Jones gets more comfortable.
Speaking of Jones, Esiason continued to have high praise for the rookie quarterback.
"He made all the throws. You can see it. He’s got unbelievable touch. He’s got awareness. He’s got anticipation," Esiason said. "The touchdown pass he threw to Hunter Henry, the ball was halfway there before Hunter Henry even got out of his break and it just landed right in his hands perfectly. Even Wiggy could’ve caught that. The kid is doing everything you could ask. It is an impossible position to play for many guys. He’s in the right situation. I told you guys way back when, maybe two months ago, that I thought he was the best quarterback out of the draft, and he’s playing like it."
Listen to the full interview below:
