FOXBOROUGH — All you really need to know is this:
The Patriots entered Sunday with a 39-0 record under Bill Belichick when not allowing a touchdown, including the postseason.
And now they're 39-1 after falling 18-12 to the Broncos, who entered the game 1-3 with their lone victory a dogfight with the winless Jets.
It was pathetic. It was inexcusable. It was ugly. And it was on Cam Newton and the offense.
And it also counts as one loss. I don't think I need to remind you the Patriots annually have a "How the hell did they lose that game?!" loss.
2018: at Jaguars, at Lions
2017: vs. Panthers (and Newton)
2016: vs. Bills 16-0
2015: vs. Eagles, at Jets
2014: vs. Miami
In four of those five seasons, the Patriots went to the Super Bowl and won three of them. So the Patriots are no strangers to really crappy losses, like Sunday's debacle.
But, yes, this loss feels different. And it was.
Because it was like deja vu all over again, and it makes you feel like they are headed for the same pathetic ending as last season — or worse.
Why? Because Bill Belichick put them here.
What was the problem last year? The defense was great for long stretches of the season, but it got worn out at the end because the offense and their lack of real weapons couldn't beat man coverage, stay on the field or score enough points.
It was so frustrating, Tom Brady packed up and relocated because he knew Belichick wouldn't improve the offense. Brady knew Belichick's offensive philosophy would again be: "Well, Tom and Josh (McDaniels) will figure it out while I keep the defense well-stocked."
Brady was right. Belichick didn't do anything.
(Adam Richins for BSJ)