I don\u2019t dispute much of this. There\u2019s plenty of blame to go around, even though at least half the offense was comprised of backups. And we have to acknowledge the quarterback gets too much credit when teams win and too much blame when they lose. That\u2019s life in the NFL.<\/p>\n
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At the same time, being a starting quarterback gives you more control over the outcome than anyone else on offense. You have the ball in your hands on every play. Every decision you make impacts the 10 other players. Mistakes from quarterbacks create a ripple effect that\u2019s felt throughout the entire offense. In the Patriots\u2019 losses this year, many of Maye\u2019s gaffes have played a sizable role.<\/p>\n
How much confidence should we have in our backup QBs?<\/p>\n
\u2014 Tim, Santa Cruz, Calif. <\/p>\n
After watching them all summer, during the season we only get a glimpse in practice and an occasional cameo in games, such as late on Sunday. Based on what we\u2019ve seen from Tommy DeVito, I think he has a pretty good grasp of the offense. Despite the fact that he has limited experience as a starter, he\u2019s also aware enough to know this is a better team when Maye is on the field. In short, I think DeVito and Behren Morton are a good pair of backups. <\/p>\n
It\u2019s third and 4, and a quick slant pass is thrown to a slot receiver named Julian Edelman or Wes Welker for 5 yards. First down every time. Probably a good play versus blitzes, as well. Do the Patriots even have a slot receiver these days, and why don\u2019t they ever run quick slant passes across the middle if they have one? Is this a coaching issue or a personnel issue?<\/p>\n
\u2014 Brian Beatty, Portland, Maine <\/p>\n
Welker and Edelman were among the best in the recent history of the game at what they did, so that\u2019s an awfully high bar for the current crop of receivers. DeMario Douglas is probably the closest to a modern-day slot guy, but with the rash of injuries the Patriots have suffered lately, Douglas has been pushed into other roles. Efton Chism and Romeo Doubs do have some background in the slot, albeit on a limited basis. I\u2019d probably classify it more as a personnel issue.<\/p>\n
Do the Patriots have enough time to figure things out and straighten their game out prior to Munich and the Lions? Or does your gut say it could be another ugly game?<\/p>\n
\u2014 Ed Helinski, Auburn, N.Y.<\/p>\n
They have time. Even with the logistical challenges of a game in Germany, there\u2019s more than enough time. The question is how they respond to last week\u2019s loss. This is a team at a crossroads. They can pack it in, finish as (likely) an 8-9 team, point to the injuries and lack of depth at key positions, and look toward 2027. Or, bolstered by the potential return of some of their offensive difference-makers, put together a second-half run that ensures a spot in the postseason.<\/p>\n
Before this past weekend, I thought the seven AFC playoff spots were practically accounted for. Now I\u2019m thinking take the Patriots out and put Houston in, even if it is 3-5. Am I overreacting?<\/p>\n
\u2014 Jeffrey Patterson, Waldorf, Md.<\/p>\n
Not at all, especially when you consider the Texans\u2019 upcoming schedule. Houston will face four above-.500 teams the rest of the way. That\u2019s one of the reasons why the Texans are probably the only team currently out of the playoff picture that has a shot at reaching the postseason. The Patriots (5-4), who are the seventh seed, do have games against the Dolphins (at home), as well as the Jets and Chargers (on the road). But it suddenly looks a lot closer than it did a few weeks ago.<\/p>\n
All the knee injuries? The stadium\u2019s artificial turf is the problem. My father thought so. He was an orthopedic surgeon in Salem for 30-plus years. Artificial turf has no give to it. Real turf does. There are different kinds of artificial turf. Some are worse than others. All are bad for knees and the body.<\/p>\n
\u2014 David W. Johnson, Stratham, N.H.<\/p>\n
Preach, David. The artificial turf vs. grass debate is a larger discussion that is certainly worth having. While we hear from owners about player safety, a lot could be addressed if each team spent some money and went to real grass. <\/p>\n
Some questions have been condensed for length and\/or clarity.<\/p>\n