So what gives? This feels like a product of reputation. The Patriots have proven time and again that they are one of the best organizations the NFL has ever produced — arguably the best the NFL ever has seen, given the manner in which the Patriots have continued to thrive during an era of parity (supposedly) and the salary cap.
But times change. Teams change. The Patriots have, on many occasions, used discipline, preparation, brainpower, and effort to overcome talent gaps. The past two weeks, the talent gaps have been too great for any feats of coaching strength to overcome.
This week, there’s another talent gap. The Dolphins are, despite the respective reputations of the two franchises, the better team right now. They are playing better. They are playing more effectively. They have won every game, getting better each week.
Of course, that doesn’t change the fact that the Patriots are desperate. But weren’t they desperate on Sunday night in Detroit? Did it ultimately matter?
