New England Patriots 4 Down Review: Week 1 vs Chiefs
The New England Patriots opening night started with fireworks but when the night was over, the fire was put out by the Kansas City Chiefs.
On a night in which fans saw the return on Roger Goodell to New England, a banner was raised and a Super Bowl title was celebrated; there was still a game to be played. The Kansas City Chiefs strolled into Foxboro as the definitive underdogs but walked out as winners, stunning the Foxboro faithful. The New England Patriots were just as stunned.
A lot went right for New England last night but a lot went wrong. In fact, the wrong outweigh the right as Kansas City came in beat the Patriots in Gillette Stadium.
1st Down: Tale of Two Halves
New England had everything working for them in the first half despite ending the second quarter giving up a touchdown. This score cut their lead to three points. The New England Patriots had everything working for them as their offensive line was giving Tom Brady protection. In the second half the offensive line fell apart. They gave up three sacks and lacked protection for Brady and company. The offensive line was not as strong as it was in the first half.
The defense stepped up big as they continued to pressure Alex Smith and keep Travis Kelce simply out of the game. However, in the second half after Dont’a Hightower left the game with an injury, the defense fell apart. The coverage on the Patriots defense got burned twice as they gave up a pair of deep touchdown passes; one for 78 yards and the other was for 75 yards.
2nd Down: One Decision Can Turn the Game Around
New England went for a first down on fourth and inches instead of kicking a field goal. Instead of that, Kansas City stopped New England and then drove 90 yards to score a touchdown. It did not seem like a big deal at first, but whenever you have the chance to score points, you always do. This play proved that all it takes is one play and momentum can swing either in your favor or against you.
3rd Down: An Edelman-less Offense is Worse than Imagined
The Patriots offense seemed out of whack last night. Aside from a few passes to Danny Amendola, Rob Gronkowski, Brandin Cooks and James White, the offense just was not up to speed. The offense started off hot, resulting in newcomer Mike Gillislee running for three touchdowns. But there were many overthrows from Brady and just a lack of urgency from the receivers. The offense was just consistent and no Edelman to spark things for the group is a big reason why.
4th Down: 2015 Again?
The 2015 New England Patriots’ season suffered many injuries to their roster. It seemed like during every game that season a player was going down with a serious injury. The 2017 campaign for the Patriots seems to be heading that way already. The Patriots lost Julian Edelman for the season during the preseason. A few weeks later the New England Patriots placed Shea McClellin on IR as well as second year wide receiver Malcolm Mitchell. Nate Ebner, Matthew Slater, Vincent Valentine and Cameron Flemming all missed the season opener a few nights ago.
Two nights ago, against Kansas City the Patriots also lost Danny Amendola with a head injury as well as Dont’a Hightower who left the game with a knee injury. It seems to be too much so far in this young season for injuries but they are a part of the game. Hopefully this is not a testament of what is to come for the New England Patriots in the 2017 season.
Next on the Schedule
New England travels to New Orleans to take on Drew Brees and the New Orleans Saints September 17th at 1pm.
