Patriots Benefit From No Longer Being Undefeated

By Tim Felix | Dec 1, 2015

While you always prefer to win, the pressure of an undefeated season being lifted is a positive for the Patriots moving forward.

I was just like all of you Patriots‘ fans out there when Sunday night’s game against the Broncos ended, frustrated and tired. From bad officiating, Rob Gronkowski‘s knee injury and Chris Harper‘s punt return fumble along with the Patriots being undefeated no more, it was a rough night to say the least.

Though the Patriots enter week 13 with a 10-1 record, it may seem odd to see the Patriots no longer undefeated. However, I feel Sunday’s night loss to the Broncos benefits the Patriots more than if they defeated the Broncos.

It sure seems odd to say a team benefited from a loss, but it certainly happens. Well, if it were, say the Ravens, they benefit from moving up in the draft. In terms of the Patriots, it’s a different kind of story.

The Patriots entered this season with even more fire and determination than usual. Seeing the Patriots season as a revenge tour for themselves and Brady in getting back at the NFL for how Deflategate was handled, the Patriots came into each game not only wanting to win, but also pound each time by any means necessary.

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Once the Patriots defeated the Indianapolis Colts to go 5-0, the view seemed to be transitioned from getting revenge at the NFL to lets keep the undefeated streak alive.

Is going undefeated an accomplishment? Of course it is. Yet I felt for this Patriots team this year, going undefeated would harm the Patriots more than if they actually lost one game.

Admit it, whether the Patriots came out of Sunday’s night with a win or a loss, they are nowhere near perfect. Not perfect in the sense of not having key players like Julian Edelman, Jamie Collins, Dion Lewis and others, but more in the sense that problems are apparent either way.

Nov 29, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos running back C.J. Anderson (22) runs for the game winning touchdown during the overtime period against the New England Patriots at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Broncos won 30-24. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

Whether it be right now an inexperienced or weak wide receiver core, special teams, offensive line and more, these issues will bring stronger attention rather than going through each game as step into someone’s place.

In addition,the best thing Belichick does with his team better than majority of coaches in the NFL is prepare not only his starters, but everyone no matter where you stand within the roster. With backup players like Keshawn Martin and James White forced into action, stronger preparation and scrutiny will be essential for more efficient outcomes.

The Patriots are hurt right now and there is no denying that. Moreover, it seemed that the importance of going undefeated surpassed the importance of getting back at Roger Goodell and the NFL. Being undefeated no more, the Patriots have one less monkey on their back.

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If Patriots were still undefeated today, it would still be a plus of course. However, no longer being sidetracked by trying to go undefeated, Patriots can continue their revenge, but also have a stronger focus on the ultimate goal, a Super Bowl championship.

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