Patriots Pulse Check: We've Arrived

Hello world. Nice to re-introduce ourselves. We're the New England Patriots. And we're back.

We're mere moments from the clock striking zero and all I keep saying out loud is "I can't believe we actually won." "Are we good? Like are we actually good?"

You're damn fucking right we are. We just walked into Buffalo, in an "Ice Storm" *rolls eyes* and outplayed, outwitted, and outlasted the undefeated Bills. Jeff Probst would be proud. On national TV with the whole world watching, waiting for us to crumble.

I'm trying to contain myself. I'm trying to hold myself back from gushing vulgar shit talk across my computer screen, saying things I might regret like we're a top three team in the AFC, the Bills can't hold our strap, or that Drake Maye has some Niagara Falls sized kahunas that Steinfeld might be curious about. All to put very, very G-rated.

But tell me if I'd be wrong saying those things. Tell me how a team that's a fumble fest against the Steelers away from being 4-1 shouldn't be talked about in that way. That a team who's 2-0 in the division, both on the road, with a defense who's allowed more than 21 points just once this season, shouldn't be viewed that way. Or how a team whose QB, in their first game under the lights, on the road against the reigning MVP, that outplayed him in his own house, shouldn't be thought of that way.

I have some sick thoughts in my head - in a good way. I said last week I was hopeful they could win, that I thought we'd have a real shot at it. But deep down I thought a blowout was a more realistic outcome. We're so young, so new, so inexperienced, that the spot felt a bit big. Before the game I said I'd be happy with a close game, regardless of outcome.

But instead we punched the Bills in their mouth, causing a turnover on their first drive. Sure we gave it right back (luckily winning heals all so Rhamondre’s continued fumbling issues become back page news), but our defense stood up. Our defense stood up the whole first half, causing two turnovers and allowing just three points to the second highest flying offense in the league through four weeks.

Then our offense stepped up, scoring on four of their last five drives of the game, and three of four in the second half when Josh and the Bills starting moving. Despite the Bills moving the ball, the defense caused a turnover and field goal in two of Buffalo's final three trips to the red zone, and allowed our offense a chance to win the game with a field goal. And Drake Maye and the offense swag strutted their way down the field to set up no-longer-issue Andy Borregales to nail a 52-yarder with legitimately 20 yards to spare. Holy shit that kid has a boot. We played perfect complimentary football, and came out with an improbable but incredible win.

It still feels a bit surreal, that the team that for a half decade was a penciled in win on 31 other teams’ schedule is potentially relevant again. But after this game there's no question we are. The only question is how far can we go?

If Drake continues to play this way the answer is far. If Steph Diggs continues to play this way, the way of a true WR1 that New England has starved for for years, the answer is far. If the defense continues to shut down teams for halves of games, plays bend don’t break, and keeps opponents under 21 points every week, the answer is far.

Let me remind you that this is a brand new organization as of a month ago. New coaches, many new players, and a new culture. The identity of the team is being molded in real time. Drake Maye and Josh McDaniels are still getting to know each other’s favorite late nite snack, yet we’re leading the league in completion percentage and are top 10 in points. Steph Diggs tore his ACL more recently than the Jets have won a football game (not actually but close) yet he’s somehow back to looking like himself in his prime, and appears to be making as strong an impact in the locker room as on the field. The defense had as much turnover as a transfer portal-happy college team, yet are looking like the unit of my dreams despite still getting guys back (shoutout Tavai and Gonzo) every week that play pivotal roles on that side of the ball. And the kicking competition from hell that took place this offseason, settled by a rookie who looked like he left his kicking skills in Coral Gables last fall, may have turned out just fine, and as of now has me worry-free.

This team isn't going anywhere. I know that 97% of NFL fans don’t want to believe it. They don’t want to imagine the possibility, that the most feared team in football, the greatest organization in sports, might be turning around. Might be back in the mix, and might be a problem again.

The new age New England Patriots have arrived. And it’s great to be back at the table.