The New England Patriots' 10-game winning streak came to a screeching halt in Week 15. Mike Vrabel's squad looked well-rested after the bye, as they jumped out to a 24-7 halftime lead, but they imploded in the final two quarters to cough the game up to the Buffalo Bills.
Although the Patriots are still firmly in control of their AFC East destiny, things just got a bit more dicey. Some soul-searching is certainly in order, and perhaps a slew of adjustments as New England heads into its final trio of regular season games against some hungry opponents.
While the offense certainly has its stuff together, adding a piece to an injury-riddled defense wouldn't be a bad idea. On Monday, following the loss, the Patriots did just that, as they signed linebacker Chad Muma from the Indianapolis Colts' practice squad, according to Jordan Schultz.
Patriots sign LB Chad Muma from Colts' practice squad
Muma was a third-round pick back in the 2022 NFL Draft and spent three years with the Jacksonville Jaguars. After getting waived in August, thanks to a monstrous set of Jaguars linebackers ahead of him, he landed in Indianapolis behind another great duo of players at his position.
But his being buried doesn't mean that Muma can't be a difference-maker for the Patriots. Fans still don't know exactly why Robert Spillane sat out of Sunday's contest despite being active, but perhaps the signing of Muma makes things more clear. Or, Muma is an insurance policy, at least.
On Sunday, the defensive line missed its most tackles since their Week 3 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers, which made life hard on New England's linebackers. Jack Gibbens had a rough showing, and with Spillane's status in doubt, Muma provides some reinforcements.
RELATED: Patriots were just vindicated for a blockbuster trade they gave up on pursuing
With Milton Williams already out and Christian Barmore not playing his best football, there was a chasm in the middle of the Patriots' defense anyway. Once the No. 1 run defense in the NFL, this team has given up over 100 rushing yards in five straight games.
In Week 15, despite having the rest and preparation that a bye week brings, New England gave up a season-high 168 yards on the ground. That was surely the tipping point for Vrabel and Co., prompting Eliot Wolf to take a stab at a player hiding on the practice squad of an AFC foe.
Now, is Muma being a Cinderella story very likely? No. But if he can just help Christian Elliss keep this linebacker room afloat until Spillane gets back, that will be massive for the Patriots. And, who knows, New England could have struck gold here.
Based on their talent acquisition this offseason, that is certainly possible.