The New England Patriots had some real hope they would be a playoff team this year, but so far, they’re off to an 0-2 start.
Both of their losses came by no more than a touchdown, but their chances of making it to the postseason have taken a significant hit since the season started.
The Patriots will head south this week to take on the New York Jets, and it should be a winnable game since Aaron Rodgers is out for the year with a torn Achilles.
Boston sports reporter Phil Perry says this will be a must-win game for New England, and he criticized the team for not showing enough urgency over the last few years, via NBC Sports Boston.
"This is your season. This is as must-win as must-win gets in Week 3."@PhilAPerry demands urgency from Patriots vs. Jets after 0-2 start 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/cME0y7Rdih
— NBC Sports Boston (@NBCSBoston) September 22, 2023
In an effort to return to the playoffs, the team brought in wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster, who put up over 900 receiving yards for the world champion Kansas City Chiefs last year, and running back Ezekiel Elliott, a three-time Pro Bowler.
Quarterback Mac Jones has looked solid so far in 2023, but the running game hasn’t been very productive, and their defense has been anemic at times.
With some difficult games coming up after Week 3, including tilts with the Dallas Cowboys, New Orleans Saints, Buffalo Bills, and Miami Dolphins, another loss on Sunday would put the Patriots in a very needy situation.
Luckily for them, a number of very talented teams across the AFC are just 1-1, so a win over New York should put them on pace to compete for a playoff spot, at least for the moment.
NEXT: Matthew Judon Discusses If Patriots Players Had A Meeting
