With back-to-back losses, the Patriots have relinquished their perch atop the AFC standings. Those losses came with a price attached, as the Pats have for now lost control of a first-round bye and home field throughout the playoffs.
With four games left to play, they can certainly right the ship and gain back some positive momentum, not to mention that much-needed bye.
To do so, certain players have to do their jobs better. We’re not talking about fill-ins, or next-man-up types in all cases. We’re talking about people they expect to count on every week. Here’s 5 that come to mind:
1.