1. The Patriots have won seven straight games and are in first place in the AFC, but they always use their bye week to self-scout. So, what are some areas they will look to improve on over the final four games of the regular season and postseason? The No. 1 thing is red-zone offense. New England currently is 26th in the league, scoring touchdowns on just 54.3% of its red-zone trips this season. While the Patriots have gotten away with it so far this season, that may not be the case in what will likely be some close games down the stretch in the regular season and then in the playoffs. Expect Josh McDaniels and the offensive coaches to dig deep into this area and maybe insert a few wrinkles moving forward. Defensively, it’s the run defense. Overall it has been OK, but there have been a few games, most recently the Titans game, where it has been exposed. The teams the Patriots play down the stretch will certainly look at what Tennessee did and look to copy it. Lastly, while the Patriots can’t change what has happened, it worth noting they haven’t really been challenged all that much in the passing game. Aside from Justin Herbert, the Patriots faced Zach Wilson/Mike White, Sam Darnold, a banged up Baker Mayfield, Matt Ryan, Ryan Tannehill where his No. 1 receiver was Cody Hollister and Josh Allen in 50 mph winds. The pass defense has been exceptional over the seven-game win streak, we’ll just see if it can continue against better quarterbacks who have all their weapons.
2. Mac Jones has certainly exceeded expectations this season. Even for the people who believed he would be good, he’s been better than that. His ability to not make mistakes has been one of the biggest reasons for the Patriots being 9-4 and currently the best team in the AFC. His 70.3 completion percentage ranks first in the NFL among quarterbacks who have started at least 10 games. Another thing that has been better than anticipated is his leadership skills and how he has the upmost respect among his teammates.
3. When it comes to the top teams in the AFC, the Patriots are certainly there, but don’t sleep on the Titans and Chiefs. If Tennessee can get some of its top players back healthy, even a 80% Derrick Henry, it may be the best team in the conference. And then while the Chiefs aren’t what they have been in recent years, their defense has been improving and it’s still Patrick Mahomes, Tyreek Hill, Travis Kelce etc. They have the ability to score 40 points any given week.
4. With the success of the Patriots offense this season, Josh McDaniels is already getting mentioned when it comes to being a top candidate for head-coaching jobs when they become available next month. From this perspective, maybe even more so than in years past, it is vital for the Patriots to retain McDaniels. Losing him would mean two offensive coordinators in two years for Jones and that could stunt his development. And for McDaniels personally, wouldn’t he be intrigued by continuing to work with Jones, one of the best young quarterbacks in the league?
5. Damien Harris suffered a hamstring injury in Monday’s win over the Bills and he deserves a lot of credit for trying to return in the miserable conditions. With that being said, it seems this is who the Alabama product is — a running back who may not be able to ever play a full season due to injuries. This is why the emergence of rookie Rhamondre Stevenson has been so important. He runs extremely hard and is also pretty shifty, as well.
6. This week is a huge game for the Bills against the Buccaneers in Tampa Bay. Following the loss to the Patriots Monday night, it seems things are spiraling out of control. They have lost three of their last five games, and some internal issues with the team came out through the media. If Buffalo loses to Tampa Bay Sunday, and especially if they get blown out, it could be a sign their season isn’t going anywhere, and perhaps signifiant changes need to happen.
7. New England may face its toughest opponent since Week 4 (Tampa Bay) coming out of the bye next week when it travels to Indianapolis to take on the Colts Saturday night. Jonathan Taylor has been one of, if not the best running back in the league this season, and the Colts as a team have won six out of their last eight games.
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