Patriots have no need to panic
The New England Patriots were thoroughly dominated on Thursday night at Gillette Stadium. The Kansas City Chiefs ruined Banner Night, going into Foxborough and hammering the defending champs to the tune of a 42-27 beating.
New England felt completely in control of the contest early, scoring on the game’s opening drive to take a 7-0 lead. Then, Kansas City’s rookie running back Kareem Hunt fumbled on the Chiefs’ first offensive play of the game, giving the Patriots a chance to all but finish off these midwestern invaders. The, Tom Brady threw a third-down touchdown to Rob Gronkowski, and the rout was on. Except the ball was ruled incomplete (correctly) upon review. Two plays later, New England rolled the dice and ran the ball on 4th and inches at the 10-yard line, only to be turned back by Eric Berry.
From there, Kansas City marched 90 yards, tied the game, and while the Patriots took a 10-point lead late in the second quarter, the Chiefs had stabilized the affair.
Leading 27-21 going into the fourth quarter, New England was blown out of its own building with 21 straight points. The Patriots allowed 42 points, the most since Bill Belichick became the head coach in 2000. It was also the first time New England blew a game that it led heading into the fourth quarter at Gillette Stadium … ever.
In addition, the Chiefs ran amok with a total of 537 yards, the most ever allowed by a Belichick-coached team. It was a good-ole-fashioned whipping, and one that leaves New England wondering where to go from here.
But let’s it bring this back to reality. The Patriots are going to roll in the AFC East. The Buffalo Bills and New York Jets are in the midst of trying to out-tank each other, while the Miami Dolphins are a marginal playoff contender. New England is going to win at least 12-13 games and likely earn a bye in the AFC playoffs.
Tom Brady and Bill Belichick are going to figure it out, because this is likely the greatest duo in NFL history. Brady is not typically going to go 16-of-36 for 267 yards and zero touchdowns. New England is not going to normally go against a team as talented as the Chiefs, and will certainly not be allowing 42 points on a consistent basis.
New England now has 10 days to get ready to play the New Orleans Saints, who while explosive, are not anywhere near the Chiefs in terms of talent. The Patriots will be focused and begin their march toward another AFC Championship Game appearance, because that’s who they are, and that’s what they do.
One game, no matter the score, doesn’t change that.
