The New England Patriots were facing another struggling football team coming off back-to-back losses at Gillette Stadium on Sunday. And none of it mattered.
The Washington Commanders waltzed into Foxborough and handed the Patriots an ugly 20-17 loss, which could be viewed as the most disappointing game of the season.
Throughout the season, fans have been able to hide behind the excuses of a hellacious schedule or playing the blame game with injuries. But after Sunday’s showing against the Commanders, there’s no more hiding the fact that this New England team stinks on every level.
The defense couldn’t make tackles, and Commanders quarterback Sam Howell was running around and making playground throws like he was Patrick Mahomes on the field. Special teams was unreliable and even gave the Commanders back the ball late in the fourth quarter, thanks to a shockingly bad offsides penalty by linebacker Mack Wilson Sr.
Patriots quarterback Mac Jones was just as inconsistent as he’s been all season on offense. There were plays where he looked like he had a strong command of the offense, only to force a throw into tight coverage or put a supposed throwaway pass within reach of the defense.
COMMANDERS SECURE THE W. #HTTC pic.twitter.com/VZ60rjRlUj
— NFL (@NFL) November 5, 2023
Even without their two premier pass-rushers, Montez Sweat and Chase Young, the Commanders defense exposed Jones and the Patriots offense for being one of the worst units in the league.
This was a win for those hoping to see the Patriots tank the entire 2023 season into the ground. However, it was a complete disaster for those wanting to see the team show more fight after getting pelted by the Miami Dolphins a week ago.
The almighty Patriots are a paltry 2-7 and dead last in the AFC East division under coach Bill Belichick. No one wants to hear any mumbling about it being on to Indianapolis at this point, either.
“In Bill Belichick we trust” and “the Patriot way” are words that ring hollow for a franchise that has looked as bad, if not worse, than the same teams that served as their inferiors for nearly two decades.
Who would have ever thought the rebuilding Commanders, of all opponents, would have the team and quarterback the Patriots wished they had right now?
