In reality, Patriots have zero shot at making playoffs

The New England Patriots are in the thick of the AFC playoff race and have some crucial games left, but in reality, they have no shot at the postseason.  It’s an unfortunate reality for the team that they need to accept as truth.

The team will likely fail to make the playoffs for the second time in three years, which is unheard of for this franchise.  Their 6-6 record is not terrible, but the circumstances around the team will make it a near impossible task to clinch a playoff berth.

First, the offense.

The offense has been mostly inept for the entire year.  They’ve had their moments, but there is no semblance of consistency.  The offense itself is not playoff caliber, and Mac Jones has done as much as he possibly can to make it work with Matt Patricia as the play-caller.

Going into 2023, the Patriots will need to address the OC position and will need to bring in someone who is a legitimate play-caller.  Frank Reich could be an option if he does not get a head coaching offer this summer.

The schedule is also tough for the team.  Three of their remaining games are against the Bills, Dolphins, and Bengals.  You could argue that these are the best three teams in the AFC right now, and I’m not sure how New England scrapes out a win against any of those clubs.

Their other two games are against the Raiders, who are getting hot, and the Cardinals.  Right now, I see two more wins maximum for the club in 2022.  Being 8-9 will not be good enough to make the postseason and will really call into question Bill Belichick’s future as the head coach.

The elite defense is being wasted by the offense which fails to move the ball consistently.  In the offseason, not only will the Patriots need a new play-caller, but they’ll need to try and find a true difference maker on offense.  Whether that means trading for someone who drafting someone, a legitimate playmaker needs to be added to this unit.