New England Patriots 4 Downs Preview: Week 14 vs Kansas City Chiefs

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HOUSTON, TEXAS – DECEMBER 01: Julian Edelman #11 of the New England Patriots catches a pass for a touchdown during the fourth quarter as Vernon III Hargreaves #28 of the Houston Texans is late on the coverage at NRG Stadium on December 01, 2019 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images) /

1st Down: Touchdowns, not field goals, in the red zone

To say that the New England Patriots’ offense struggles to put points up on the board is an understatement. Tom Brady and company have not been on the same page all season long, despite having the necessary weapons to be one of the league’s top offenses.

Going toe-to-toe against the Kansas City Chiefs and their high-powered offense led by Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce will be a tall task for this New England offense. As long as they put points up on the board, it will be a moral victory for them. However, when they get inside the red zone, they need to put seven points on the board as opposed to three.

It has been a recurring theme for the Patriots offense when they get inside the red zone to settle for field goals instead of touchdowns this season. A touchdown last week when they were inside the 20-yard-line could’ve changed the course of the game in Houston.

Not only does better red zone efficiency put more pressure on the Kansas City offense to match what the New England offense does, but it also puts more pressure on the K.C. defense to figure out how to stop Brady and the rest of the Patriots offense. Finally, it’ll pump the crowd up and give the New England Patriots the home-field advantage they desire, as there’s no more passionate fanbase out there than the Foxboro Faithful.

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