KC Chiefs: Getting to know New England Patriots before Week 14

Tom Brady seems peeved this season about the offense’s performance. Should he be held more accountable for the O’s struggles?

Tarringo: With all that Tom Brady had done for this team, it is hard as a fan to want to put blame on him. However, there have been miss[ed] throws, untimely interceptions and him simply throwing the ball away at times. Part of that is the lack of trust he has with some of his receivers. Brady has really struggled going back to last season. Much of that was shielded by how well the run game was going and how well the defense has been playing. Since the second half of that AFC Championship game against the Kansas City Chiefs, Brady really haven’t been the quarterback we are all use to.   

Is it a lack of playmakers? 

That’s part of it as we’ve seen Brady make it work with a lot less.

Aside from Julian Edelman and James White, who’s the offense’s biggest threat?

Tarringo: A healthy Mohamed Sanu is the biggest threat outside of both Julian Edelman and James White. He did have a 10-catch performance in the loss against the Ravens. The team also went to a quick tempo offense which did work against the Ravens. Having Sanu out there on the field did help Brady.

Also, as the Chiefs found out in the AFC Championship game, Phillip Dorsett is good for a big play or two. Brady is also building something with undrafted rookie Jakobi Meyers.

Last season, the Patriots defense ranked 7th in points allowed and 21st in yards allowed. This season, the unit’s 1st in points allowed and 2nd in yards allowed. What’s been the biggest key to that turnaround?

Tarringo: Besides getting off the field on 3rd downs, the biggest key to the turnaround has been the play of linebacker Jamie Collins. Along with Kyle Van Noy and Dont’a Hightower, the Boogeymen have been making key plays. The team is also getting turnovers on a record play. That can be attributed to the lockdown performance thus far this season from Stephon Gilmore. Also, slot corner Jonathan Jones has been solid. Bill Belichick may decide to put him on Tyreek Hill with safety help to allow Gilmore to go against Sammy Watkins or potentially Travis Kelce.

Another key is the pressure the defensive line is getting on opposing quarterbacks.

In light of the losses to the Ravens (37-20 in Week 9) and Texans (28-22 in Week 13), what’s your overall feel for the Patriots?

Tarringo: Those are both road losses against quality opponents looking to make a statement.  In both games, turnovers were a key.  Many people outside of New England see that final score of 37-20 against the Ravens and think blowout.  Yes, Lamar Jackson and the running game exploited the defense, but the game was just 17-14 early in the first half with the Patriots driving with momentum before a Julian Edelman fumble was run back for a touchdown.  They then immediately cut it to 24-20.

Against the Texans, some key miss tackles and suspect offensive play calling told the story.  No excuses for those losses, but as fans we have to still feel good considering the team did not play its best football in either game.  They are still 10-2 with their two remaining toughest games at home.  Starting with your Kansas City Chiefs.