Do People Really Want the Patriots in The Playoffs?

By: Steve Atkinson

The Patriots just need a win over Buffalo on Sunday to secure a playoff spot. How good is that though? And does it really matter? They will get crushed if they have to play Kansas City or Buffalo in the first round. Wouldn’t it be best to get the offseason here sooner rather than later? Reconstruct the coaching staff on the offensive side of the ball and not shake the confidence in Mac Jones any more than they already have. He has regressed from year one to year two regardless of if they make the playoffs or not.

Patriots Owner Robert Kraft Shares The Public Opinion

According to Albert Breer, Robert Kraft shares the public opinion that the offensive coaching staff needs to change this offseason. Will or has he already given Bill the ultimatum to switch things up? If Bill O’Brien were to come back it would have to be pretty quickly after the Patriots season ends. Assistant coaching jobs fill up fast. Knowing how Bill Belichick does things I would be shocked if he hires someone to be the offensive coordinator in January.  He would have people waiting if he had things his way. But if he does hire someone quickly then that may prove that Kraft had some influence on him to get someone in there fast.

Patriots need an overhaul on Offense

There were a lot of times on Sunday against the Dolphins Trent Brown jumped early before the ball was snapped. Does he even want to be out there? They ended up calling one finally, but it took a long time. Not having an offensive line coach is hurting this team we’ve seen it all season. You can’t have an offensive line coach and someone that also calls the plays.

Sunday could’ve been the last home game for Devin McCourty and Matthew Slater. Devin McCourty said after the game he took a few seconds on the field.

“I took a moment. Spend some time with my family on the field. It’s been a great run. To come out here, if this was the last one, I think to be able to leave Gillette with a win, very similar to how my first-ever game was a win. I’ve had a lot of fun. These guys have been awesome to go out here and compete with. You never know how football goes. But I’d be lying if I said I didn’t think about it before the game, and just now. Give a high five to the Minutemen, something I’ve done over and over and over again after wins. Just kind of think about that, let that settle in, just trying to make sure I stay in the moment, enjoy. But definitely gave it a few seconds today.”

Matthew Slater also expressed gratitude after the win on Sunday.

“Saw a couple of signs that were thanking D-Mac [Devin McCourty] and myself. I don’t know what either of us have in store but I think when you get to this stage of it, you try to take in every moment and savor it. I think some of the players and coaches knowing that I’m not sure of what my future have expressed gratitude and that meant a lot to me, and just told me they loved me and it just means so much, it really does.”

As they turn the page to Buffalo, I certainly don’t want them in the playoffs to get smacked in the mouth in the first round. This offseason really needs to get here so they can get a real O-Line coach, Offensive Coordinator, and quarterback coach. They had neither that did their job right this season. The only coach Kraft likes on that side of the ball is Nick Caley who is the tight ends coach. His contact is up at the end of the season and the Patriots blocked him from going to Vegas last year.