For a long time, the outcome of each New England Patriots football game this season felt nearly inevitable. Core players would crumble, but the winning continued, with the often-repeated Bill Belichick-ism, “do your job,” keeping his football empire in order.
The Patriots head coach and former “huff-and-puff league” hockey legend had Tom Brady and Co. dutifully marching toward an undefeated season until Week 12.
They kept winning after running back Dion Lewis was lost for the year in early November and after left tackle Nate Solder’s season ended after Week 5.