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New England Patriots will be just fine as 2017 rolls on

By Matt Godelman

TAMPA, FL - OCTOBER 5: Head coach Bill Belichick of the New England Patriots looks on from the sidelines during the first quarter of an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on October 5, 2017 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL - OCTOBER 5: Head coach Bill Belichick of the New England Patriots looks on from the sidelines during the first quarter of an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on October 5, 2017 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images) /
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Despite some struggles early on this season, the New England Patriots are going to be just fine moving forward.

After a mediocre start to the 2017 NFL season, we’re hearing the almost-annual talk of the New England Patriots’ demise. Tom Brady probably hasn’t had enough protection and the defense has been abysmal. Teams that can’t protect their quarterback or play defense don’t win Super Bowls, but these are Tom Brady and Bill Belichick’s Patriots.

Apparently not having learned anything from the 2014 season or Super Bowl 51, the rest of the football world has forgotten that Brady and Belichick can flip the switch anytime they want. Like the Cleveland Cavaliers in the NBA’s Eastern Conference, the Pats can cruise through the regular season, and even some playoff games, only to play their best when they actually need to.

Lack of Competition

Something that went overlooked in New England’s opener, where people realized this team actually isn’t perfect and may be quite vulnerable, was Eric Berry’s Achilles injury. The Chiefs may have left Gillette Stadium up a game in the standings, but they lost a crucial component to their defense. If these teams meet again, Kansas City will be without one of their most important pieces on defense.

Pats Still Poised to Improve

Back to the team in question, the Patriots are in a position to only get better. They’ll hopefully be getting back second-year receiver Malcolm Mitchell, who displayed uncanny chemistry with Brady just as a rookie. As far as the defense goes, it’s safe to say they can’t get much worse. Belichick’s defenses usually improve as the season progresses, and this squad just has too much talent to be anything less than average.

New England’s path to the Super Bowl may not be as easy as last year. However, it is hard to see any team challenging them the way Denver and Baltimore have in the playoffs the last few years. Green Bay is in danger of missing the postseason with Aaron Rodgers’ injury. Atlanta has looked far worse than any other contender. The Giants were supposed to take the next step this year, that went up in flames.

Next: Team grades against Atlanta Falcons

It doesn’t seem like the team representing the NFC in February will be giving the Pats a legit run. Banner number six is still likely on it’s way this season. But this time around, things may not have to come down to the wire in February.

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