Morale is low in Patriots Nation for sure. Perhaps the lowest since before the Belichick Era began, and understandably so. The team got off to a promising 2-1 start, but now sits at 2-5. Mired in a four-game losing streak, the first in 18 years. The defense is showing holes at every level. The offense had their first two touchdown game Sunday since September (not something to brag about). Cam Newton is struggling mightily, plus his fumble Sunday cost the team the game or at least a chance at overtime. Coaches are pressing with unusual calls on both sides of the ball. And most football minds agree that the team suffers from an elite talent deficit at several spots, particularly the skill positions.
Yikes! Might want to get some fresh air ... or a drink ... or both ... before we continue.
Suffice to say all that, paired up with their precipitous fall from grace, the excruciating manner in which they’ve lost games this season, seeing Brady succeed in Tompa Bay, staring up at longtime rivals like Buffalo and Miami, both of whom have younger more complete rosters, and realizing that the playoffs are likely out this year, and possibly beyond, and you can understand why there’s some despondency amongst the Foxboro Faithful. Not always winning is one thing, but losing is the worst. You know who likes losing? Losers. That’s why they lose.
Go ahead and grab another breather or beverage if you need to.
Look, nobody said this would be easy. A step back was to be expected following the Belichick/Brady Era. It’s mostly the jarring manner in which it’s occurred, especially following the 2-1 start to the season. But when you’re used to winning and sitting at the top the fall to the bottom and subsequent view both kinda suck. As some colleagues have recommended, both on the air and in print perhaps tanking or at least punting on 2020 and trading some assets to stockpile for the rebuild might be the best laid plan. Knowing Belichick he’ll continue to compete as best he can, likely winning just enough games this season to keep the team out of the running for a top QB. For a franchise that had it so good for so long I ask when the newfound misery will end?
BUT, before you freak out further let me just say that we’re not just on to 2021. We’re watching 2021 and beyond develop in front of our eyes. All is far from lost, Pats pals. Since I’m the diehard superfan of the station and referred to as “Optimist Prime” for my positive Patriots outlook, I’d like to remind you that there are many foundation pieces, if you will, developing week to week. Players who may be cornerstones or at least significant contributors for years to come. And while they may not be superstars now, or ever, they are pieces around which a team that will compete and find ways to win under Bill Belichick will be built. Why bemoan impending defeat or last second losses when you can watch and appreciate the development of players like ...
DAMIEN HARRIS
Damien Harris (47% rostered on Yahoo) is averaging 5.7 yards-per-carry this season despite running against a stacked box on 34.69% of his runs - the second most of any RB.
— Steven Psihogios (@StevenPsihogios) November 2, 2020
I don't know who needs to hear this, but Harris is very good. pic.twitter.com/9is4r7fPqr
Love everything I’m seeing out of the second year RB out of Alabama. Runs hard. Decisive. Good footwork. Quick enough. Gets to the corner. Goes for yards, and more yards. This is the feature back the Pats need to rebuild an offense around. Maybe they thought they were getting someone more explosive with Sony Michel. But what they got with his SEC rival is a quality all-around back who gets to the hole, gets to the endzone and above all just plain gets it.
JAKOBI MEYERS
Remember back to the 2019 preseason, and the hype coming off an undrafted WR from NC State? Sure hands. Great footwork. Was going to make the team and an impact quickly, especially after a couple great fake August games with Stidham? Well, it never materialized last season with Brady, nor this season early on with Harry and Edelman in front of him. But Meyers is making the most of the offensive desperation, looking the part of the sure-handed sharp running receiver we’d heard about. He’s not a legit WR1 but going 6 catches for 59 yards and a 2-point conversion on a team that started all undrafted wideouts and is so weapon desperate gives you hope that any future signal caller will have a dependable target in No. 16.
MICHAEL ONWENU
The offensive line, despite numerous injuries and lineup configurations, has been hands down the best unit on the 2020 Patriots. And the best player on the line has been a sixth-round pick, a guard, out of Michigan. An almost afterthought on a line featuring two of the highest paid guards in the NFL. And all “Big Mike” has done is play three positions and play them flawlessly on the line this season. Not to mention be graded out by Pro Football Focus as a Top 5 player IN THE LEAGUE this season. Onwenu looks to be both a building block on the line, and the team, for years to come. You want to try and move him? BE MY GUEST.
JC JACKSON
The likely future No. 1 corner on the Patriots has at times played like just that, despite being overshadowed by the reigning DPOTY in Stephon Gilmore. But it’s the undertainty surrounding Gilmore’s future on the team, not to mention a recent injury, that has people looking the way or Just Cover Jackson (nickname hat tip @JumboHart). Jackson is tied for the league lead with 4 INTs in 2020, is another advanced statistics darling and seems to have the swag to spare you need to be a No. 1 corner in a pass heavy league. Just Conveniently another undrafted free agent playing at a high level on the Pats who hopefully is locking it down for years to come.
JOSH UCHE
Considering the attrition at the LB position this season, and the uncertainty surrounding the future of Dont’a Hightower (though if opts back in for 2021, bonus!), seeing the NFL debut of the second-rounder from Michigan was a long-anticipated welcome on Sunday vs Buffalo. That Uche looked the part of a professional player in his first game, had excellent awareness and made some solid tackles, settled my nerves that he’d be out of position or league in his debut. Nobody is saying he’s Bruschi 2.0 yet. But Patriots need youth, versatility and a pass rush from the linebacking group, and if Uche can bring two out of three or more every Sunday? I’ll take it, small sample size and all.
Yes, I realize I didn’t mention the two rookie tight ends here. I haven’t seen enough of them, literally, to make any judgments. Check back at the season’s end to see if they make the “bright spots” or "biggest disappointments” of 2020 list.
In closing: Yes, the future is now! Or at least we’re off to a pretty good start. Kinda like back in 2000. Yes, that same 2000 that saw the Pats finish 5-11. It wasn’t al bad back then though.
Just realize that when I say “We’re on to 2021!” I really mean we’re getting excited about the future of the team through the actions of these standout players one frustrating loss at a time. These are some of the guys, future stars perhaps, we’ll be buying the jerseys, reciting the stats and shouting the names of for years to come. And they’re already here! Don’t get despondent about this season! Cheer on the future! Besides, it’s a Foundation year! Salary cap! COVID! Etc! Pick your favorite excuse du jour. Bill has done it before. And he’ll have to do it again...likely by building a tough competitive fundamentally sound team out of mid to late round draft picks. Guess that’s the new Patriot Way.
Besides, gotta keep our heads up and have something to look forward to while living life in the Postseason Afterthoughts Bin, right?
