FOXBORO, Mass. — It’s a good thing the New England Patriots don’t seem to believe in momentum, because their offense has none of it going into the playoffs.
The Patriots’ offense has been stagnant recently, struggling to move the ball in a 17-16 win over the New York Jets in Week 16 and last Sunday in a 17-9 loss to the Buffalo Bills. Running back LeGarrette Blount believes the Patriots can recapture some of the offensive magic they flashed midway through the season with productive practices over the next two weeks.
“Nobody can stop us but us,” Blount said. “The focus is on us this week to correct all the stuff that hasn’t been going to well for us.”
The Patriots’ offensive issues could be a easy fix, too. Starting left guard Dan Connolly has been banged up for weeks, wide receiver Julian Edelman missed the last two games with a concussion, and the Patriots held out right tackle Sebastian Vollmer and tight end Rob Gronkowski against the Bills for precautionary measures, so it’s possible the bye week heading into the playoffs could be a cure-all.
Blount was one of the Patriots’ few standout performers in Week 17, ripping off a 34-yard run early in the third quarter. Blount is a player who seems to thrive on momentum, and his impressive performances to end 2013 carried over into last season’s playoffs with a four-touchdown, 166-yard display in the divisional round.
The offense has been lucky to have a top-tier defense that has helped keep the Patriots in games by limiting scoring in the second half. The Patriots will need both units to work together to get through the league’s best teams in the playoffs, however.
Thumbnail photo via Mark L. Baer/USA TODAY Sports Images
