Slate Magazine says "The Patriots' Demise Should Have Been Funnier"

[Dr. K]

Slate Magazine weighs in (prematurely, I think) on the Patriots poor play recently.

 

https://slate.com/culture/2020/10/patriots-bad.html

 

For my part, I will not believe the Patriots are done until they are buried at the crossroads with a stake through their heart. Please, Buffalo, make an old man happy and sweep the SOBs. 

Edited October 27, 2020 by Dr. K

[BuffaloBobs]

I share your fear about the Patriots -- we haven't beat them, let alone had a home playoff game of our own so I am far from counting them out.

 

It is crazy to me how quickly after Brady's departure the issues that many of us saw with the team on the personnel side the last few years have proven to be their demise.

 

The poor drafting of late, bad trades, and lack of impact free agent signings on offense have really caught up with them without Brady magic to paper over all the issues and hold the thing together. BB is a Hall of Fame coach, no doubt, but Brady is certainly looking like the engine that made that team go at this point.

[Hapless Bills Fan]

44 minutes ago, Dr. K said:

Slate Magazine weighs in (prematurely, I think) on the Patriots poor play recently.

 

https://slate.com/culture/2020/10/patriots-bad.html

 

For my part, I will not believe the Patriots are done until they are buried at the crossroads with a stake through their heart. Please, Buffalo, make an old man happy and sweep the SOBs. 

 

I agree, premature.  I will be much happier to laugh at them after we beat them.  

 

Then conduct an exorcism procedure involving a crossroads, a silver-tipped stake, and a box of salt.

 

In fact it would make me, personally, as a fan, feel better if you'd edit your title to reflect the fact it's Slate's attempt at premature humor

[Virgil]

It will always be hysterical and bring great joy to me.  But the demise isn't complete until we sweep them into oblivion and the Hoodie questions himself as a coach and a man

[Hapless Bills Fan]

1 minute ago, Virgil said:

It will always be hysterical and bring great joy to me.  But the demise isn't complete until we sweep them into oblivion and the Hoodie questions himself as a coach and a man

 

I'll settle for he just retires

[Hapless Bills Fan]

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[Dr.Sack]

Belichick is going for Lawrence

[Mango]

9 minutes ago, Dr.Sack said:

Belichick is going for Lawrence

This occurred to me earlier. I don’t think he set course for that. But given his loss of practice due to Covid, then dropping 2 in a row. It is the hand he is dealt at the moment. He’s missing basically half of his starters due to opting out. He could tank and still come back with a top 5 defense and a rookie QB. 

[Hapless Bills Fan]

16 minutes ago, Dr.Sack said:

Belichick is going for Lawrence

 

He got a late start if so and I don't think he can make up ground on the Jets, Falcons, Giants, Texans, and Jaguars.

I'm not even sure he could overtake the Bengals and the Vikes.

 

But I don't think that's the plan, either.

 

[RalphWilson'sNewWar]

AFC EAST is such a bad barometer of how the NFL works that it gets fans in those cities to think that once you get bad...you stay bad for long periods of time.

[Warcodered]

7 minutes ago, RalphWilson'sNewWar said:

AFC EAST is such a bad barometer of how the NFL works that it gets fans in those cities to think that once you get bad...you stay bad for long periods of time.

Yeah I mean with all the opt outs and them actually being bad this year they might have some good draft picks.

[Call_Of_Ktulu]

1 hour ago, Virgil said:

It will always be hysterical and bring great joy to me.  But the demise isn't complete until we sweep them into oblivion and the Hoodie questions himself as a coach and a man

The 3 reasons of Belicheats demise

1. Lose your MVP GOAT QB

2. Sign Cam and expect no fall off

3. Do the worst Subway commercial ever, so bad that you have to change the channel whenever it comes on.

[Big Turk]

2 hours ago, Hapless Bills Fan said:

 

I agree, premature.  I will be much happier to laugh at them after we beat them.  

 

Then conduct an exorcism procedure involving a crossroads, a silver-tipped stake, and a box of salt.

 

In fact it would make me, personally, as a fan, feel better if you'd edit your title to reflect the fact it's Slate's attempt at premature humor

 

Premature because they haven't missed the playoffs yet but make no mistake...they are not a good team. They have virtually no offensive playmakers and their D has a lot of holes.

 

If this was any other team we would be talking about how we should stomp them into the ground because we have far superior talent pretty much across the board. 

[Gen2]

2 hours ago, BuffaloBobs said:

The poor drafting of late, bad trades, and lack of impact free agent signings on offense have really caught up with them without Brady magic to paper over all the issues and hold the thing together. BB is a Hall of Fame coach, no doubt, but Brady is certainly looking like the engine that made that team go at this point.

 

 

While I agree BB is one of the greatest coaches in our lifetime, he pretty much sucks as a GM. He caught lightning in a bottle with the Brady sixth round pick, but he's pretty much let that team fall into ruin as far as offensive talent. While I'll agree that he's hurt by all of the opt-outs, could the reason there were so many in the first place be because of the draconian way he runs the team? 

[dollars 2 donuts]

I love seeing them down as much as anybody, but I think we are looking in the wrong direction when considering our afc east opponents.

 

Instead of the Patriots who are sinking we should keep our eye on the dolphins who may be turning the page with their yet to be determined stud or not Tua, a good coach in Flores, good young talent and numerous draft picks. I know I have been focusing on them a bit, but they are our closest competitor in the division.  Additionally, and as bad as they are now I have resigned myself to the fact that the Jets WILL win the Trevor Lawrence derby and if he is the potential generational player he seems he might be, along with the Jets’ numerous draft picks...well...s***...

 

So die Patriots, die, and I am enjoying the hell out of this, but I really don’t want to think about anything past 2021 in this division, because I believe it is going to get pretty tough come the 2022 season.  Especially when you consider we will likely be paying Allen 25-30 or more million per year with a team that even now looks like it has issues with some star players (I mean their overall skill level and maybe some chinks in our drafting) while Tua and Lawrence will still be on their rookie deals.

 

I kind of hate this post of mine, because I am the glass half full kind of guy, which I still am with our team...it’s just I am noticing that our other division rivals are starting, or will be starting, to fill their glasses, too, while the Pats sun is setting.

 

GO BILLS!

Edited October 27, 2020 by dollars 2 donuts

[machine gun kelly]

4 hours ago, Hapless Bills Fan said:

 

I agree, premature.  I will be much happier to laugh at them after we beat them.  

 

Then conduct an exorcism procedure involving a crossroads, a silver-tipped stake, and a box of salt.

 

In fact it would make me, personally, as a fan, feel better if you'd edit your title to reflect the fact it's Slate's attempt at premature humor

And twice. A sweep would be nice.  Even after we hopefully win this week at 6-2, and them at 2-5, I’ll wait to see how they fare against the Ravens, Cardinals, and Rams.  Now seeing those three losses and a second loss to us would at best finish them off at 7-9.  That’s when the bottle gets uncorked and we can all have a metaphoric glass of bubbly celebrating the demise of the Cheats.

[machine gun kelly]

52 minutes ago, dollars 2 donuts said:

I love seeing them down as much as anybody, but I think we are looking in the wrong direction when considering our afc opponents.

 

Instead of the Patriots who are sinking we should keep our eye on the dolphins who may be turning the page with their yet to be determined stud or not Tua, a good coach in Flores, good young talent and numerous draft picks. I know I have been focusing on them a bit, but they are our closest competitor in the division.  Additionally, and as bad as they are now I am have resigned myself to the fact that the Jets WILL win the Trevor Lawrence derby and if he is the potential generational player he seems he might be, along with the Jets’ numerous draft picks...well...s***...

 

So die Patriots, die, and I am enjoying the hell out of this, but I really don’t want to think about anything past 2021 in this division, because I believe it is going to get pretty tough.  Especially when you consider we will likely be paying Allen 25-30 or more million per year with a team that even now looks like it has issues with some star players (I mean their overall skill level and maybe some chinks in our drafting) while Tua and Lawerence will still be on their rookie deals.

 

I kind of hate this post of mine, because I am the glass half full kind of guy, which I still am with our team...it’s just I am noticing that our other division rivals are starting, or will be starting, to fill their glasses, too, while the Pats sun is setting.

 

GO BILLS!

 

Let me top you off with that glass.  Good points Donuts, and feel similarly.  I’m less concerned about the Jets for awhile as yes, they probably get Lawrence, but will have to do a complete rebuild.  A couple of years from now if Douglas picks the right coach, and if he hits on most of his draft picks, then ok.  
 

Miami, on the other hand spent $235.8 mil. in the off season on free agents, filled holes with 11 draft picks, and has another 10 or so for next year.  Not as concerned about Miami this year as Tua should have some lumps in his first few starts, so we should win the gulp, division, but 100% agree Miami v. Buffalo’s rivalry is on the horizon for years.  Flores looks to be a good coach, and has more than enough talent to build a good team.  We on the other hand have some holes and problems on depth, so if not a cheap option like two examples I’ve given in other threads with a young DT, we’ll need those draft picks.  Giving away anything more than a late pick and absorbing a smaller contract is a mistake.  Beane’s smart.  He knows how to make good decisions.

 

On the positive side, we have a couple of people who spotty have shined a little, ie. Dane Jackson and Epenesa.

Sorry, didn’t want the imogies.  

[dollars 2 donuts]

19 minutes ago, machine gun kelly said:

 

Let me top you off with that glass.  Good points Donuts, and feel similarly.  I’m less concerned about the Jets for awhile as yes, they probably get Lawrence, but will have to do a complete rebuild.  A couple of years from now if Douglas picks the right coach, and if he hits on most of his draft picks, then ok.  
 

Miami, on the other hand spent $235.8 mil. in the off season on free agents, filled holes with 11 draft picks, and has another 10 or so for next year.  Not as concerned about Miami this year as Tua should have some lumps in his first few starts, so we should win the gulp, division, but 100% agree Miami v. Buffalo’s rivalry is on the horizon for years.  Flores looks to be a good coach, and has more than enough talent to build a good team.  We on the other hand have some holes and problems on depth, so if not a cheap option like two examples I’ve given in other threads with a young DT, we’ll need those draft picks.  Giving away anything more than a late pick and absorbing a smaller contract is a mistake.  Beane’s smart.  He knows how to make good decisions.

 

On the positive side, we have a couple of people who spotty have shined a little, ie. Dane Jackson and Epenesa.

Sorry, didn’t want the imogies.  

 

Up in the middle of the night for reasons other than football.

 

However, this made me feel better and I think I am going to go back to bed for a couple of hours.  Thank you, brother MGK!

[machine gun kelly]

😴

[Kwai San]

7 hours ago, Dr.Sack said:

Belichick is going for Lawrence

 

That would be sweet but not plausible.  I would be happy to see the PROVEN cheater retire in disgrace as the team he has built crumbles to ground around him.  What worries me more tho is Scam knows he laid an egg on Sunday and will be playing for his life this week as he wants to remain the starter.  One can only hope the Bills will see Stidwell during the game this week.

 

Go BILLS!!! 

[CSBill]

Just beat the Patriots, by 1 or 100, doesn't matter. "Just win baby!"

[HOUSE]

[4merper4mer]

I knew all along that once the Pats weren't on top of the league the stands would be bereft of chowderheads and here we are.

[PatsFanNH]

The game Sunday all depends on which Cam Newton shows up.   Will he be the good Cam from weeks 1-3 who actually hit the open man.  Or will he be the Bad Cam of the last two weeks who is not seeing all the open receivers and when he does he either air mails it or puts it into the dirt 2 yards in front of him or when he does hit them puts it in a spot where they almost get killed?

 

i will say this if the Pats lose then Gilmore will be gone by Tuesday hopefully for a first round pick, and Cam will be benched for the rest of the year if not cut.

[Charles Romes]

Spent a first round pick on Harry who is the worst of all high drafted receivers in recent years and a second on Sanu now out of football a year later. Hard to recover from that level of mistakes. 

[PatsFanNH]

1 minute ago, Charles Romes said:

Spent a first round pick on Harry who is the worst of all high drafted receivers in recent years and a second on Sanu now out of football a year later. Hard to recover from that level of mistakes. 

Yet with competent QB the Pats would be tied with Buffalo right now for first place.  I mean look at the 3 of the 4 losses.

 

KC — there were plays to be made and hell Hoyer left a minimum of 9 points on the table. Was a lot closer game than the final score showed. (D played well)

 

Denver — by far the worst of the three. Cam refused or didn’t see wide open receivers all day and took sacks or threw balls so badly Denver had a better chance to catch them. (D only gave up 18)

 

San Fran — the D looked bad to, but again Cam sucked and missed open receivers and left points on the board.

 

the 4th loss was a great game and I wasn’t upset by it.. these three shows that with BB all we needed was AVERAGE QB play and we win. 

 

 

[mjt328]

Eh.  I'm enjoying the Patriots demise.

The only thing missing is that Tom Brady isn't involved.

 

9 minutes ago, PatsFanNH said:

Yet with competent QB the Pats would be tied with Buffalo right now for first place.  I mean look at the 3 of the 4 losses.

 

KC — there were plays to be made and hell Hoyer left a minimum of 9 points on the table. Was a lot closer game than the final score showed. (D played well)

 

Denver — by far the worst of the three. Cam refused or didn’t see wide open receivers all day and took sacks or threw balls so badly Denver had a better chance to catch them. (D only gave up 18)

 

San Fran — the D looked bad to, but again Cam sucked and missed open receivers and left points on the board.

 

the 4th loss was a great game and I wasn’t upset by it.. these three shows that with BB all we needed was AVERAGE QB play and we win. 

 

 

 

But they DON'T have competent QB play.

 

How many teams could make the claim... "We would have done fine, if only our QB didn't suck."

 

[PatsFanNH]

1 minute ago, mjt328 said:

Eh.  I'm enjoying the Patriots demise.

The only thing missing is that Tom Brady isn't involved.

 

 

But they DON'T have competent QB play.

 

How many teams could make the claim... "We would have done fine, if only our QB didn't suck."

 

Why I have stated many times I rather have started Stidham all year.  If he sucks we get a high draft pick and I trust BB when picking a high draft QB.  If he is average, we win the AFC East again (Pats D is still the best in the division).  
 

I have also stated MANY times that when my Pats time ended I hoped the Bills were the ones to claim the mantel after their demise.  I have 20 years to look back and enjoy while waiting for our next QB lol 

[Charles Romes]

2 hours ago, PatsFanNH said:

Yet with competent QB the Pats would be tied with Buffalo right now for first place.  I mean look at the 3 of the 4 losses.

 

KC — there were plays to be made and hell Hoyer left a minimum of 9 points on the table. Was a lot closer game than the final score showed. (D played well)

 

Denver — by far the worst of the three. Cam refused or didn’t see wide open receivers all day and took sacks or threw balls so badly Denver had a better chance to catch them. (D only gave up 18)

 

San Fran — the D looked bad to, but again Cam sucked and missed open receivers and left points on the board.

 

the 4th loss was a great game and I wasn’t upset by it.. these three shows that with BB all we needed was AVERAGE QB play and we win. 

 

 

Yes Pats fan even average competent QB play is tough to come by.  The 16th best QB in the league will cost you 30M if he’s a vet and you are lucky enough to find one.  Good luck. 

[frostbitmic]

It might be too early to predict their demise but I smile every time they lose a game.

[RochesterLifer]

If we lay the wood to New England Sunday, I will be laughing all afternoon.

[PromoTheRobot]

 

6 minutes ago, RochesterLifer said:

If we lay the wood to New England Sunday, I will be laughing all afternoon.

 

Followed by discussions if it really meant anything Monday.

[RalphWilson'sNewWar]

11 hours ago, Warcodered said:

Yeah I mean with all the opt outs and them actually being bad this year they might have some good draft picks.

Opt Outs Return

Draft Picks

Free Agency

 

for as bad as they looked against 49ers...

 

they are what?  2-3 plays away from 4-2?  Cams goal line run against Seattle and the final play against Denver.

 

But that is just the nature of Football.  You are what your record says (usually)

 

However, when it is just 2-3 plays that sometimes is the difference between 7-9 and 10-6.

 

You can get better or worse real quick.

[Straight Hucklebuck]

4 hours ago, PatsFanNH said:

Yet with competent QB the Pats would be tied with Buffalo right now for first place.  I mean look at the 3 of the 4 losses.

 

KC — there were plays to be made and hell Hoyer left a minimum of 9 points on the table. Was a lot closer game than the final score showed. (D played well)

 

Denver — by far the worst of the three. Cam refused or didn’t see wide open receivers all day and took sacks or threw balls so badly Denver had a better chance to catch them. (D only gave up 18)

 

San Fran — the D looked bad to, but again Cam sucked and missed open receivers and left points on the board.

 

the 4th loss was a great game and I wasn’t upset by it.. these three shows that with BB all we needed was AVERAGE QB play and we win. 

 

 

The problem is still the same with the Patriots though.

 

They’ve let their skill positions fall apart the past two seasons.

 

They’ve never drafted WRs well under Belichick and haven’t had to as their constant contender status kept the FAs flowing to them.

 

But now it’s dire. Edelman is the #1, NE passed on DK Metcalf for Harry, and the rest are replacement level players.

 

In the end, it might take a Herbert level playmaker to lift this offense. 

[ColoradoBills]

[LABILLBACKER]

15 hours ago, Hapless Bills Fan said:

 

I'll settle for he just retires

He practically has. Have you seen how many Subway commercials he has. The old Bill would never have done these.

[Hapless Bills Fan]

8 minutes ago, LABILLBACKER said:

He practically has. Have you seen how many Subway commercials he has. The old Bill would never have done these.

 

Almost only counts in Horseshoes, Hand grenades, and Tactical Nukes

[Nextmanup]

15 hours ago, Dr.Sack said:

Belichick is going for Lawrence

No he's not.   

 

 

[Gordio]

7 hours ago, PatsFanNH said:

Why I have stated many times I rather have started Stidham all year.  If he sucks we get a high draft pick and I trust BB when picking a high draft QB.  If he is average, we win the AFC East again (Pats D is still the best in the division).  
 

I have also stated MANY times that when my Pats time ended I hoped the Bills were the ones to claim the mantel after their demise.  I have 20 years to look back and enjoy while waiting for our next QB lol 

 

 

Your delusional.  It has been a good run for you guys but the Pats reign of terror in the AFC East is over.  They said on ESPN yesterday Brady saw the writing on the wall and that is why he had no intention of resigning with the Pats.  They are a bad football team.  With that being said I wouldn't be shocked if they beat us Sunday.

 

Why do you have trust in BB when picking a high draft pick on a QB?  What history gives you confidence in that?  

[boater]

Belichick relishes beating the Bills. He get's his jollies doing it. On his last trip to Orchard Park he was reported to be crunk (energized) on the flight back to New England.

 

You can bet he's pouring his heart and soul into game prep this week. He's probably greatly relieved to be facing a Red Zone challenged team with suspect defense.

 

I don't  buy that the demise of the Patriots is before our eyes.