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Pride, not draft position, is what’s driving the Patriots at this point

Welcome to the Unconventional Review, an instant reaction to standouts, stats, and story lines from the Patriots’ most recent game …

This is said with a little bit of resignation, but mostly admiration. The Patriots – particularly their defense, and yes, their embattled genius of a coach – are too resilient and proud to permit the season to collapse around them in backward pursuit of the highest possible draft choice.

The Patriots’ 21-18 win Thursday night behind three Bailey Zappe first-half touchdown passes probably says more about the Steelers – who lost to the lowly Cardinals last week – than it does about the victors, who are now 3-10.