For the third consecutive year, the New England Patriots watched the divisional round of the NFL playoffs from home.
At least they were treated to a good show.
This weekend had to rank among the most entertaining in NFL postseason history, with all four matchups featuring a field goal as time expired that either won the game or sent it to overtime. It concluded with a titanic clash between two AFC juggernauts — teams the Patriots will need to overcome if they are to re-establish themselves as legitimate Super Bowl contenders.
Here are four Patriots-related thoughts on two fantastic days of football:
1.