New England Patriots: Why Peter King’s team power ranking is spot on
The New England Patriots are not being seen as one of the top team’s in the NFL, and here is more proof of their steady decline.
Peter King of NBC Sports was quoted recently in an article by patspulpit.com as ranking the New England Patriots No. 21 in his power rankings. Why wouldn’t they be?
The Patriots this offseason kicked away the best quarterback in the history of the league. They did nothing to replace him, like adding a former NFL MVP who might sign for a relatively acceptable amount. That would be Cam Newton. Nope.
In addition, they didn’t add much to the wide receiver room which was, well, pitiful in 2019 outside of the inimitable Julian Edelman.
The next wide receiver in catches had 29 catches. No one else did much either. Little done to help.
So they drafted heavily in the 2020 draft in that position, right? Wrong. They drafted none, in a strong wide receiver draft. Evidently not many met their standards.
Twenty-nine catches? Let’s move on.
Running backs. They were mediocre last season. So, they drafted strong there, right? No. None. And they still don’t have a back that can get them a tough yard or two when necessary. Wonder why Tom Brady had to sneak or they kicked a field goal (maybe)? That’s why.
Tight ends? Well, they were, ah, terrible in 2019. They must have signed a free agent who could step right in, right? No. They didn’t.
But, they did draft two guys in the third round. They traded up for both of them. Way up for one. So that will solve the problem? Maybe. Don’t count on it. They both were reaches, as they say.
So, did the offense improve? No way. No how. No.
New England Patriots on Defense in 2020, better or worse?
The New England Patriots defense, maybe it improved in 2020, right? Wrong. The defense lost several key players.
Linebackers Kyle Van Noy, Jamie Collins, and Elandon Roberts. They traded Deron Harmon, an underrated playmaker. And, they also lost maybe the most underrated player on that good (not great) defense last season.
More from Chowder and Champions
- 3 Midseason Chaim Bloom Decisions That Have Killed the 2023 Red Sox
- 10 Patriots Who Will Be Cut by Tuesday’s Roster Deadline
- MLB Screws Red Sox Fans With Broadcast for Mookie Betts Return
- 3 Most Underpaid Celtics Heading Into the 2023 Season
- Red Sox Continue Rollercoaster Season With Massive Win
That would be Danny Shelton. Shelton had a monster season in 2019. Unnoticed and under-appreciated. He was great with 61 tackles and 3 sacks. For a nose tackle, that’s production, plus.
The great Vince Wilfork had one season with more than 60 tackles and only two with 3 and 3.5 sacks. I’d say that’s quite a statement for Shelton. So, they let him go to Detroit. See a pattern developing here?
But, no fear, the New England Patriots drafted to help that defense. Their first 3 picks in the draft were safety and two linebackers. So that’s going to replace the lost key players on that defense? I doubt it. So the question has to be asked, did the defense improve? Not in my opinion.
"I think this season breaks the Patriots’ 11-year stranglehold on the AFC East, but I’m pretty sure everyone in that building wants to rub our faces in such predictions, and that’s a great motivator."
I’m not going to rub Peter’s face in anything. I like him, I don’t always agree with him but I think he’s spot-on in this prediction. I think the New England Patriots have regressed this off-season substantially.
Losing the best quarterback in league history is enough of itself to say that.
They lost a lot more.
Next. New England Patriots: 5 great moves during the 2020 offseason. dark
In addition, they had a boring free agency, a lackluster draft, lost key defensive and offensive players to free agency, and have hitched their wagon to a completely unknown quarterback. Other than that, everything is wonderful.
Peter King is right. This team is falling back. Way back. How far? Who knows. That, as I am wont to say, is why they play the games. (And I hope I’m wrong! Won’t be the first time.).