The New England Patriots have been in the spotlight for years. Numerous incidents regarding the New England Patriots have occurred. Everyone remembers what happened with deflated footballs.
Much has been made about the Patriot’s lack of offensive fire power. Today on ESPN former Offensive Lineman Damien Woody said, “New England needs to do something this offseason. They have to sign a big-name receiver like Odell Beckham and Deandre Hopkins.”
Former Defensive Lineman Marcus Spears added to the discussion. Spears said the other teams in the AFC East have passed the New England Patriots because of their personnel. Spears also said, “The New England Patriots haven’t done enough to win in today’s NFL.”
Why are the comments important?
Woody and Spear’s comments are surprising because the Patriots are a respected organization. New England has won six Super Bowl championships. Their last Super Bowl coming in 2018. New England has also made the playoffs eight times and won 13 playoff games from 2013-2022. New England made the playoffs during the 2021-22 season with a rookie quarterback in Mac Jones and a young roster.
The New England Patriots have never been a team with superstar players. The Patriots value hardworking players who fit their offensive, defensive, and special team’s schemes. Bill Belichick has beaten teams with more talent. New England came back from a 28-3 deficit to beat the Falcons. New England went to Kansas City and beat an explosive offensive lead by Patrick Mahomes in the 2019 AFC Championship game.
I believe the Patriots are being disrespected by Woody and Spears. It’s hard to win in the NFL and New England was a consistent force for over 20 seasons.
What about the AFC East?
The AFC East has improved over the past couple of seasons. However, the Patriots should still be respected by other AFC East teams. Opposing teams shouldn’t take the Patriots lightly.
Woody and Spears praised the Miami Dolphins’ offensive personnel. Miami does have a talented roster. However, the Dolphins made the playoffs twice between 2013-2022. Miami’s last playoff win was against the Indianapolis Colts on December 30, 2000. Tua Tagoviola has struggled to stay on the field. Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle aren’t uncoverable. Despite a close playoff game, Hill and Waddle didn’t make the big plays they were known for. Tyreek Hill won one Super Bowl in six seasons with the Chiefs.
The New York Jets are a tad overrated in my opinion. New York hasn’t made the playoffs since the 2010 season. New York’s last playoff win came against the New England Patriots on January 16, 2011. New York last beat the Patriots 26-20 on December 27, 2015.
New York hasn’t had a franchise quarterback since Joe Namath. Everyone is excited about New York landing Aaron Rodgers. However, Rodgers is an older quarterback, and the Jets don’t know how to win. New York lost multiple close games down the stretch of the season. Who’s to say Aaron Rodgers is going to gift the Jets a Super Bowl in a loaded AFC?
Buffalo is New England’s biggest threat. Buffalo has made the playoffs for three straight seasons. Buffalo has won the AFC East for three straight seasons. Josh Allen is going to continue to improve, and Buffalo will be good for years to come.
Each AFC East team is talented, but Buffalo is the frontrunner. New England must find a way to beat the Bills in 2023.
