I promised you I’d tap into my friends around the league for a look at the Patriots after this mini-bye. It’s a day late, but hopefully not a dollar short.
On to Musings…
Where do the Patriots stand relative to the rest of the AFC?
Pro Personnel Director: “If they are healthy, they can play and beat anyone in the AFC. I don’t think any team in the conference is head and shoulders above the rest. Buffalo? The defense is a major issue. Kansas City? They’re starting an undrafted kid at left tackle and will miss Tyquan Thornton. That says a lot about their receivers.
“Baltimore? Lamar (Jackson) has a high ankle issue, which isn’t good news for a mover like him, and so far, (head coach Jesse) Minter hasn’t been able to summon the same defensive magic he did with the Chargers. Cincy? Don’t see it. Pittsburgh? Same. Cleveland’s defense is real, and those young receivers are impressive but the QB is who he is. (head coach Todd) Monken could have benched him a couple of weeks ago and no one would have said a word.
“I like Jacksonville. They really carved up the Pats. (Liam) Coen is smart. He’s aggressive. I wonder if the defense has enough playmakers. The Bo Nix/Sean Payton thing isn’t good in Denver. The run game isn’t helping.
“That’s a long way of saying I think they (Patriots) are as good as anybody in the conference, especially if they can keep the quarterback playing at this level.”
NFC Front Office Executive: “The AFC is wide open. You could tell me a half-dozen teams could win it, and I’d nod. Hell, I wouldn’t rule out (2-5) Houston just yet.
“Do the Patriots have enough