The Patriots got smacked around in the second half by Kansas City last night, which most of us really enjoyed. Doesn't happen to New England very often -- ever, really -- especially at home. Are we seeing the end of the Belichick-Brady era?
Obviously, the answer is no. Would take a miracle, really, for the Patriots not to win the AFC East, or at worst make the playoffs as a wild card (which is probably giving the Dolphins way too much credit). Most likely they'll win the division (thank heavens we don't have to hear anymore about that stupid 19-0 nonsense, at least) and get to knock off some playoff visitor.
But emerge as the best team in the AFC? Well, there are some problems.
1. They're thin at receiver. Malcolm Mitchell was placed on IR yesterday, so he's out for at least 8 games. So right now they've got Danny Amendola as the No. 3 and Philip Dorsett as the No. 4. Amendola finished with nice numbers last night, but he's an older, brittle player who they don't want to have in that huge a role. Dorsett is desperation Hail Mary by a team that knows it needs help at wideout.
2. They don't have a pass rush. The Patriots annually draw praise for moving on from players at the right time rather than overpaying them. But it never made sense why they traded Chandler Jones to the Cardinals, and with their top pick pass rusher out for the year, Rob Ninkovich retired, Donta Hightower not a difference maker...it's going to be an issue.
3. Everyone gets up for them. Dominating the league the way the Patriots have makes you the team that gets everyone's best shot. They certainly got the best game Kansas City will play last night. Next week they face the Saints. Would it really be far-fetched if they lose a shootout there? There are other teams smacking their lips at facing this defense: Falcons, Panthers, Bucs, Steelers.
4. Tom Brady is 40. The guy has a great workout regimen and diet and all that, plus the 5 Super Bowl rings. But 40 is 40. It took down Brett Favre, it took down Peyton Manning, maybe it takes down Brady. Wish I hadn't started him in that Fantasy Index Blackout league last night.
Hey, it's just one game. Maybe Amendola holds up, Dorsett emerges, and New England gets that Gronk touchdown call last night and the momentum doesn't shift. Maybe they start putting more running backs on the field as receivers and their offense will be just fine.
But anyone who think the Patriots are going to dominate the league this season can forget it. They're still a great team, maybe. But not as good as some have thought.
--Andy Richardson