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

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FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – DECEMBER 08: Brandon Bolden #38 of the New England Patriots celebrates with teammates after rushing for a 10-yard touchdown during the third quarter against the Kansas City Chiefs in the game at Gillette Stadium on December 08, 2019 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images) /

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

New England has struggled to score touchdowns all season long, and Sunday was no different. However, the Patriots did manage to score two touchdowns at the very least, which was certainly a bright spot and encouraging sign for the offense. Their red zone inefficiency most of this season has left a lot to be desired still, and unfortunately Sunday was more of the same in this department.

Going up against Kansas City, scoring points – whether through touchdowns or field goals – is essential whenever you can put them up on the board because no lead is safe with Patrick Mahomes under center. The Patriots were able to get inside Kansas City territory four times and walked away with nine points on those drives.

They had two drives in the red zone and went 1 for 2 with those opportunities, scoring a Brandon Bolden touchdown to swing the momentum back in their direction. Their last drive in the red zone came towards the end of the game when Kansas City was able to lean on their defense to make the Patriots turn the ball over on downs to essentially close out the game.

Is it safe to say that this is a positive?

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