The New England Patriots’ offensive struggles are overshadowing the team’s win.
Although the Pats squeaked out a 17-16 victory over the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium to secure a first-round bye, the focus remains on the many mistakes made by the New England offense. Tom Brady was sacked four times in the first half alone while he completed 23-of-35 passes for 182 yards, a touchdown and an interception in what was a lackluster outing for all parties involved.
“I think we had a lot of communication — or I’d say execution issues on offense,” Bill Belichick said during Monday’s conference call. “We just didn’t execute very well, I’d say, in any part of the game. All the players were involved, all the coaches were involved. … We didn’t execute the running game very well; blocking, passing, catching. It was just — none of it really was very good.”
Offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels echoed the head coach’s thoughts, adding that he is responsible for some of the blame. McDaniels also credited the Jets for disrupting the Pats’ offense, something head coach Rex Ryan is particularly proud of.
“We didn’t have our best day in total on offense,” McDaniels said. “I don’t think anybody played or executed or coached particularly well, starting with me. I think there were definitely some things we did well at times, and certainly the Jets gave us some issues. They have a good defense, a good front and a good scheme. They’re well coached. They deserve credit for creating some issues for us, and at the same time we feel like we can coach and play better. That onus is on us.”
Brady and Co. will look to get back on track when they take on the Buffalo Bills in Week 17.
Thumbnail photo via Brad Penner/USA TODAY Sports Images
