2013 offense. Anyone remember that?
Reports have been frequent, incisive and range in their reasoning; is Brady losing his touch? Are his receivers up to scratch? Is the offensive line capable of protecting their quarterback? All reasonable questions. But for many Patriots fans there may be a feeling of déjà vu, as those outside Patriots Nation seem to have forgotten about the very similar offensive struggle that New England faced in the early stages of last season.
Notable among those early struggles were the 13-10 grind over the Jets in Week 2 of the 2013 season. Their defense had been mostly compiled in that years draft, and though they went on to become a formidable unit, they were certainly underdogs against a Brady led offense. In week 5, the Patriots could only manage yet another measly points total as the Bengals fought for a 6-13 victory in Cincinnati.
Through the first three games of the 2013 season, the Patriots only put up 59 points; the exact same total that the Patriots have put up through the first three games of this year, so these players will be very familiar with not only the disappointment, but the improvement process that was needed to help this team win the division. The issues have been largely the same this year – red-zone inefficiency, inability to convert on third down, failing to pick up yards on early downs and a lack of big plays. But that's not to say the weapons aren't there, they simply have not figured it out yet. Tim Wright caught his only target for a 20 yard gain on Sunday. Brandon LaFell gained 46 yards receiving on four receptions. Gronkowski already has two red-zone touchdowns on the season. There are positive signs, and lets remember that Brady made Austin Collie look like a star in short bursts last season, so if he's neglecting anybody it certainly won't last long.
For all those with concerns about the offense among Patriots Nation: let’s not throw out the playbook just yet. This team knows how to respond to a slow start. As Brady always says, “you find out who you are as a team around Thanksgiving”. Some of you may remember the 55 points that Brady laid on the Steelers in week 9 of last year, or the 41-7 beatdown of the Ravens on their own turf heading into Christmas. This team’s success does not rest on if this offense can click, it is simply a matter of when. Perhaps all they are waiting for is the glory of Monday Night Football to blow our minds?
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