Loss to Packers May Prove Beneficial in Long Run for New England Patriots

The last loss for the New England Patriots—a shellacking by the Kansas City Chiefs—was the impetus for a seven-game win streak. A similar streak after the 26-21 loss to the Green Bay Packers would end with Tom Brady and Bill Belichick hoisting their fourth Lombardi Trophy.

I sincerely doubt that the uber-competitive Belichick and Brady will consider this a "good loss," but that doesn't mean that there isn't any value in losing. When a good team gets the better of your own squad, it helps you find deficiencies that may not have crept up against lesser competition.

Here is what the Patriots will learn from the tough loss in enemy territory.

Versatile Rushers Need to be Unleashed

Two of the three sacks on Aaron Rodgers came from Jamie Collins and Dont'a Hightower, two linebackers who spend most of their time dropping into coverage. Through the first 11 weeks, they had been able to pressure quarterbacks on 41 of 165 combined rushes, according to Pro Football Focus (subscription required).

Even when Chandler Jones returns from injury, defensive coordinator Matt Patricia needs to get his best athletes more involved in the pass rush. They threatened the A-gap blitz often but didn't follow through nearly enough against the Packers. Hightower is also a threat as a rusher with his hand down.

Don't expect Aaron Rodgers to have as clean a pocket—I timed one play at over 11 seconds until he passed—if these two teams play again.

Cornerback Depth Not What Patriots Thought

New England's defensive backfield may still be one of the deepest in the league—Alfonzo Dennard could start for some teams—but it couldn't match up with the depth of the Packers wide receivers. Mike Reiss from ESPN Boston related Brandon Browner's thoughts on all of Rodgers' weapons.

"

CB Brandon Browner says it came down to third down. Also tips cap to Packers and their offense clicking while throwing to everyone.

— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) December 1, 2014"

There may not be another team in the league that can deploy as many talented receivers as Green Bay, but the bottom end of the cornerback depth chart knows that it can't just rest on its laurels. Logan Ryan and Dennard will be getting coached especially hard this week.

Not All Linemen Are Created Equally

Having a sixth offensive lineman take the role of a tight end is nothing new for the Patriots; they've done it for years. The Packers game showed, however, that it isn't just a plug-and-play job. Where Cameron Fleming was an asset as a run- and pass-blocker, Marcus Cannon was a liability.

Cannon's red-zone false start nearly cost New England four points, while he was routinely a step slow trying to handle edge-rushers. The rookie Fleming was sorely missed. Once he regains his health, expect him to regain his role as the sixth man on the line.

Play Action is Necessary

Seventeen rushes for 85 yards may look good on paper, but offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels may look at the running game as a lost opportunity upon review.

Run plays seemed to catch Green Bay by surprise at times, as Brady threw the ball twice as much as they ran it. A balanced attack keeps the defense guessing and allows the play-action pass to become a deadly weapon. Rob Gronkowski is tough to cover as is. When used in play action, it becomes impossible. Creating that all-important space in the middle of the field is what play-fakes are designed to do.

Look for New England to reinvigorate its running game in the next four weeks as it begins its tuneup for the playoffs.

Stats and figures courtesy of NFL.com.