The Patriots are coming off their worst defeat in the Bill Belichick era, a 38-3 pasting by Dallas. They return home this week to face the 2-2 New Orleans Saints, and this game is a pivotal one for the 2023 season.
Not only did the Patriots get soundly beaten in Dallas, but they lost two of their best members of the defense. CB Christian Gonzalez, the league’s defensive rookie of the month for September, is gone for the season after tearing his shoulder labrum. Matthew Judon tore a biceps tendon and may also be done for the year but has vowed to return later in the season.