Three Takeaways: Depleted New England Patriots Drop Season Finale

Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

It’ll be really difficult for the New England Patriots to walk away feeling positive about any aspect of their game following their 17-9 loss to the Buffalo Bulls on Sunday. Many of their starters either didn’t play or did so in a limited capacity. Fortunately though, for the Patriots, the game was meaningless and it had no impact on their postseason positioning. It’s now playoff time as the Patriots finished off the regular season with a 12-4 record.

The offensive line once again struggled with Tom Brady under center. Brady was under duress for the entire first half as the Bills held the Patriots to just six points through the opening 30 minutes of play. With the interest of preserving Brady’s health, Jimmy Garappolo replaced him in the second half. He too was faced with a stiff Bills pass rush. It’s safe to say New England’s offensive line remains a question mark heading into the playoffs.

After sitting out against the Jets last week, LeGarrette Blount returned to the lineup and had himself a solid afternoon. Brandon LaFell was effective as usual, but with Rob Gronkowski, Julian Edelman, Sebastian Vollmer, Dan Connolly and Jonas Gray, all out of the lineup, it’s hard to really judge where the offense is really at. They’ll likely be much more efficient in two weeks as returning to full health and some practice should do wonders.

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The defense played especially well in generating a consistent pass rush on Bills quarterback Kyle Orton. Jamie Collins had a strip sack that resulted in a turnover. Akeem Ayers also notched a sack. The Bills offense was largely ineffective as the Patriots defensive unit once again set the team up to win. Jonathan Casillas and Darius Fleming were both impressive with their play at the linebacker position.

Despite entering the playoffs on a sour note, the Patriots aren’t worried, yet they’re confident in their abilities.

“I’m not worried about us lacking confidence. We’ve got a lot of good players,” said Brady following the loss.

Darrelle Revis is another Patriots who insists the team will be fine moving forward. It may have been an ugly game, but Revis summed it up perfectly when he was asked about the loss. He in no way feels that the Patriots are limping into the playoffs because things would have been a lot different if the team had dressed its full compliment of players.

“It’s just a game where we let it slip by, but most of us weren’t out there,” said Revis. “There were so many things and so many variables of today’s game, guys not dressing and guys not playing.”

The Patriots will undoubtedly use the bye week to rest, regroup and recharge. They’ll host an AFC Divisional playoff game in two weeks.

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Here are my three major takeaways from the loss:

1. The team’s success hinges on a healthy offensive line.

The Patriots were without starting right tackle Sebastian Vollmer and starting right guard Dan Connolly. Nate Solder left the game with a knee injury. It’s clear the reserves won’t cut it in the playoffs. They’re a paper-thin group that needs to get it together in a hurry. Unfortunately, Brady can’t magically create points and he can’t lead touchdown drives from the seat of his pants either. If the protection isn’t sured up, the Patriots will be destined for a premature playoff exit.

2. The rushing attack exhibited improvement.

LeGarrette Blount ran well in his return to the lineup. He tallied 62 yards on 10 carries. As a team, the Patriots rushed for 4.6 yards per attempt. New England’s offense will be most effective moving forward if they’re able to deploy a balanced attack.

3. Jimmy Garappolo’s future is bright.

Garoppolo replaced Brady in the second half and had success in moving the offense. The rookie completed 10 passes for 90 yards and rushed four times for 16 yards. If it wasn’t for the porous offensive line in front of him, perhaps the Patriots would have posted more points or even won the game. Garoppolo showed poise in the pocket in reading through his progressions, he released the ball quickly and showed the ability to extend plays with his legs. The Patriots have to be pleased with what the saw from the youngster.