The Curious The New England Patriots: Why a Team This Good Struggles

The New England Patriots go into the last week of the season with a 10-5 record. Although it is not bad, is it really what everyone expected them to do this season? Sure Tom Brady was coming off an injury, but he was still better then Matt Cassel last year when they won 11 games. Everyone thought they were going to be like the 07  Patriots that went 18-1, but that did not happen.

What is even more curious is that the Patriots are ranked 4th in opponents points per game. That means they have one of the best defenses in the NFL. Why is it that with this good of a defense, and this good of an offence why are they struggling this much?  

This year the Patriots have had more locker room problems then I can remember in the Belichick era. Some players are starting to doubt their coach, and I think with good reason. If Belichick had not made some dumb choices the Pats would be 11-4 this year, and fighting for a bye. 

That Indy game should have been won, but the head coach did not trust his forth best defense to finish the game. This is strangely familiar. If people remember the 07 super bowl. Yes very painful to pats fans. Still remember that on one possession the Pats were in field goal range. They had a 4th and 1. Belichick could not trust his defense enough to kick the field goal and went for it. The offence did not get it, and strangely enough the Pats lost by 3 points. 

The championships the Pats won were because of great defense and timely offence. The Pats have both of that this year, but with poor play calling and poor trust in his team, the Pats are struggling. 

The Pats are a team that should not be taken lightly in the post season. In 6 post season trips they have won 3 super bowls, been to four, and been to 5 AFC championship games. If the Pats can put differences aside, and play the way they should, they could still be a huge threat to win it all. But if they keep on under performing then it will be disappointing this year.