Are the Patriots even Close?

The Patriots are 3 players away from competing for the Division in 2021. Too Far? Hear me out.

I’m the first one to tell you the Cam Newton experience was doomed from jump street and the retched team that Belichick put on the field the year after he helped pack Brady’s bags was an embarrassment. That being said they were 4 swing games from being either 10-6 or 9-7. Allow me to explain.

1st swing game: Seattle. You were a 1/2 yard away from Cam punching it in for 6 to win the game. 1 win

2nd swing game: Denver. Ball in hand to win the game, you were a competent QB and receiver from completing that drive. 2 wins

3rd swing game: 1st Buffalo. You were a Cam Newton fumble away from tieing, or the way that drive was going, punching in the winning TD. 3 wins

4th swing game: Arizona. A Cam Newton Pick inside of 1 minute should have sealed it, but a Zane Gonzalez missed FG and 2nd Nick Folk 50 yard winning field goal flipped the script. 1 loss

By that simple math that’s an extra 2 wins which in most years puts you in contention for the playoffs. And what do all those games have in common? An Incompetent or ineffective QB.

So, when I say the Patriots are 3 players away from the division 2021 it starts simply with improving the competency at the QB position because I still believe in Belichick’s ability to coach better than anyone in the NFL. Add a pass Catching TE to the offense and a legit piece to the front seven, you’re staring at 10-6 potential.