Here ya go. He minces no words and shows 0 compassion for all the injuries or lack of practice.
Everything you need to know from the Patriots’ loss to the Broncos in quickie form, with BSJ insight and analysis:
HEADLINES
.500 streak ends for Patriots: For the first time since 2002, the Patriots are now below .500 in the fifth game or later. Those Patriots were 3-4 on Oct. 27 and did not qualify for the playoffs after finishing 9-7.
“It was a big challenge,”
Bill Belichick said. “Playing without guys, getting guys hurt, moving around, had some guys that haven’t played together much, hadn’t practiced together much.”
Patriots’ offense has no rhythm, checks out for three quarters: The Patriots’ offense looked like a unit that had barely any practice the past two weeks and a QB in quarantine for part of that time, as they only penetrated the Broncos’ 40-yard line once in the first three-plus quarters. The Patriots gained just 288 yards — and 92 of those yards came from
Cam Newton‘s legs rushing (76 yards) and receiving (16). Newton’s legs accounted for 32 percent of the Patriots’ offense. They were 5 of 15 on third and fourth downs (33 percent). The Patriots had one drive before the final stand of the game where they had more than seven plays.
“We need more time together, we need to practice together, we need to execute and do everything better. No question about that,” Belichick said. “It’s the same for everybody on the team. Nobody’s practiced, I mean we all need to do more practice, we need to get our execution levels up a lot higher.”
Defense bends, doesn’t break: The Patriots’ defense wasn’t without fault in this game as well, as they allowed three consecutive drives of 13, 12 and 15 plays that went for 83, 48 and 79 yards, respectively. The Patriots allowed field goals on Denver’s first six possessions, but didn’t yield a touchdown. They did, however, allow a 35-yard completion on 3rd and 21.
TURNING POINT
The Patriots, by a minor miracle (and
Drew Lock doing an impression of
Brian Hoyer in crunch time), still had a chance to win the game with a minute to play when they had 2nd and 10 at the Denver 24. But then Newton held the ball forever against the blitz (again), was sacked for a 6-yard loss, and the Patriots turned the ball over on downs two plays later.
SECOND GUESS
A few:
- Why didn’t the Patriots try a quicker-hitting passing game with so many issues on the offensive line?
- Why didn’t Bill Belichick challenge the spot on James White’s third-down run?
- Why didn’t Belichick accept the illegal use of hands penalty on Denver with 42 seconds left in the third quarter? It would have given Denver 3rd and 14 at the New England 46. Instead, Brandon McManus kicked a 54-yard field goal. Three less points for Denver and the Patriots could have kicked a game-tying field goal at the end instead of needing a field goal.
- Maybe try Jarrett Stidham at some point with Newton obviously struggling with the timing in the passing game?
THREE UP
CB Jonathan Jones: Had three passes defensed (one in the end zone) and an interception to keep the Patriots in the game.
LB Ja’Whaun Bentley: Gameplan called for him to pass and run blitz a lot, and he delivered with a half-sack, 2 QB hits, and 2 tackles for a loss.
RB James White: Led the team in receptions (eight) and receiving yards (65) … good for White, bad sign for the offense.
THREE DOWN
CB Jason McCourty: Gave up a 41-yard bomb on the first possession and factored in on the 3rd and 21 conversion.
QB Cam Newton: Contributed to four sacks, threw two interceptions, averaged 6.3 yards per attempt and had a 51.6 rating.
Patriots receivers: Combined for six receptions on 13 targets for 62 yards.
Julian Edelman had 2 for 8 on six targets.
N’Keal Harry was 0 for 2.
Devin Asiasi not targeted again.
INJURIES
RT Jermaine Eluemunor: Was rolled up on during a Newton sack and appeared to sustain a serious leg injury as he couldn’t put much weight on it leaving the field. He did not return, and was replaced by Hjalte Froholdt, who playing guard as
Michael Onwenu and then
Justin Herron moved to RT.
DT Adam Butler: Left with a right elbow injury but returned with a brace on.
TE Ryan Izzo: Appeared to injure his ankle after getting rolled back, but returned to the game after one play.
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