This isn't meant to be an overreaction to one game, but the New England Patriots' loss to the Green Bay Packers in Week 9 showcased every single reason why they aren't real Super Bowl contenders this season.
The Patriots were embarrassed at home, losing 45-27 and never looking like they even had a small chance to win the game, and every concern they had this season was on full display: their turnover problems aren't getting any better (three interceptions and a fumble; their -11 turnover margin on the season is tied for the worst in the NFL with the Indianapolis Colts), injuries are continuing to kill them (which is especially concerning since their depth was already pretty bad), and they are putting way too much pressure on Drake Maye right now.
All of that is going to be a concern in the long run, especially against the top teams in the league.
We're about halfway through the season, and while New England is in a decent spot to make the playoffs (5-4 record, has a 56% chance of making the playoffs, according to NFL.com), fans shouldn't expect another deep playoff run like last year's.
The Patriots were embarrassed in loss to Packers in Week 9
There were very few positives to take away from New England's performance in Week 9. DeMario Douglas caught five receptions for 102 yards. Maye mostly had a good game and bounced back from his three interceptions (also threw for 299 passing yards and three touchdowns). Corey Kiner looked solid again, even if a lot of it was garbage time (55 rushing yards on eight attempts and a touchdown). And Efton Chism III and Mack Hollins each caught a touchdown.
That's probably it, though.
The Patriots' defense was abysmal (especially Christian Gonzalez, who just had probably the worst game of his career, allowing 11 receptions on 12 targets for 192 yards and a touchdown to Matthew Golden and Christian Watson). Their offensive line struggled. They couldn't take care of the football. And injuries are continuing to plague the team (Rhamondre Stevenson, Carlton Davis III, and Ben Brown all exited the game early and could miss additional time).
And they were destroyed by a Packers team that, while improved from their slow start to the season, isn't lighting up the rest of the NFL. This isn't a team they should have been embarrassed by.
There's also the issue that too much of New England's success depends on Maye's play. If he can't carry the team, there's a great chance they're going to lose because of their injuries and lack of depth on both sides of the ball. That's not going to work in the playoffs.
It's just one game, and this will likely be the Patriots' worst performance of the season, but if they just lost to the Packers in their own stadium in this fashion, then how do they expect to beat some of the other top teams in the NFL?
Add us as a preferred source on Google