The New England Patriots had an awful game on Sunday, and even though losing to the 49ers wasn’t a huge surprise, the way they lost was downright embarrassing. Usually after a big loss fans are quick to turn to find the scapegoat, and I didn’t think that Sunday’s game would be different.
SportsCastr Orginal Podcast Tweeted out a poll on Monday asking Patriots Nation who they believed was responsible for the Patriots loss.
Who do you blame for the Patriots loss vs SF?
— DPN Commentary (@DpnCommentary) October 26, 2020
It seemed like logical heads responded to the poll, most people responded that it was a total team loss, and I couldn’t agree more. It would be ridiculous to try and put the blame on just one person.
Roster loss
— Tom Gebe34 (@Gebe33Thomas) October 26, 2020
Cam Newton played awful, but he wasn’t the sole reason that the Patriots lost. The offense hung the defense out to dry with turnovers and short drives that resulted in punts, but the defense got exposed from the first drive of the game, and had no answer for the 49ers run or pass game. Let’s not forget that last week against the Denver Broncos, the Broncos scored on their first six possessions before the Patriots were finally able to make a stop, so they have not played up to expectation.
Bill Belichick picked up some of the of the votes, and it makes sense. He is the head coach and general manager, and at the end of the day, total accountability should be on him. But, when it comes to the construction of the roster, it’s not the most talented team in the league, but they are much more talented than they have performed over the last few weeks.
I feel like after the COVID things the team has been kinda just going thru the motions. When I watch, I personally don’t see a football team that has any interest in winning. Obviously I don’t know how they feel. But that’s just what I see w/ lack of quality tackling & offense
— Hunter (@hunter_binks) October 26, 2020
This fan has a point when he mentions COVID-19. First off, the Patriots had as normal a week as they have in a long time, so using COVID as an excuse won’t fly for a lot of people. But, it’s also clear as day that the Patriots haven’t been the same since Cam Newton became the first player in New England to test positive.
The global pandemic has affected many people across the country, not just physically, but also mentally. Let’s not forget that the Patriots are playing this season without their best linebacker in Dont’a Hightower, captain Patrick Chung, and starting right tackle Marcus Cannon who all opted out of playing this season. So though I can’t use COVID as an excuse for the pitiful performance, it’s definitely something that can be looked at in the grand scheme of things.
Cam Newton played awful, but he wasn’t the sole reason that the Patriots lost. The offense hung the defense out to dry with turnovers and short drives that resulted in punts, but the defense got exposed from the first drive of the game, and had no answer for the 49ers run or pass game.
Last modified: October 27, 2020
