Musket Fire
FanSided

The New England Patriots have missed the playoffs in ’22

By Lou Scataglia

Dec 6, 2021; Orchard Park, New York, USA; New England Patriots running back Rhamondre Stevenson (38) runs with the ball as Buffalo Bills outside linebacker Matt Milano (58) defends during the second half at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 6, 2021; Orchard Park, New York, USA; New England Patriots running back Rhamondre Stevenson (38) runs with the ball as Buffalo Bills outside linebacker Matt Milano (58) defends during the second half at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

With the Patriots’ loss in week 18, along with the Miami Dolphins’ win, New England has officially been eliminated from the 2022 NFL playoff race.  In what proved to be an up and down season, the season does end on a down note.

Not only did the Patriots lose in week 18 to the Buffalo Bills, but the Pittsburgh Steelers won and the Miami Dolphins also won, meaning the Dolphins have made the 2022 NFL playoffs, jumping over the Pats for the seventh and final playoff seed.

It was an interesting game to say the least, as the Pats gave up two kickoff return touchdowns to the Buffalo Bills.  They also gave up numerous long passing plays on defense, further proving the need for the team to bolster their secondary.

The offense, for the most part, held their own.  Matt Patricia did not have a terrible day calling play and the playmakers on offense made some noise.  However, it was the defense that seemed to be the downfall of the team today.

The 2022 offseason is going to be quite interesting for New England.  The first order of business is to find a legitimate play-caller.  Perhaps Matt Patricia still sticks on the staff, but it’s clear that he is not someone who should be calling plays on offense.

The next order of business is to sniff around the QB market to see if there is any chance that the team can upgrade from Mac Jones, who appears to be a low floor/high ceiling type quarterback.  After that, trying to find a true playmaker at wide receiver and some more bodies in the secondary also stick out to me as top priorities.

This will be a fascinating offseason all around for New England.  I think we’ll be seeing a ton of change, and hopefully it’s for the better.

Home/Patriots News