Some great teams tend to play with food. The Patriots devoured everything on their plate Monday night.
It was obvious from the start. The Patriots played a tough game last night. Early, often, consistently.
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Maybe it was a reaction to not being able to deliver a knockout blow to the Bengals eight days earlier. Maybe it’s a product of coach Mike Vrabel making sure the Patriots don’t miss a beat amid the inherent distractions of Thanksgiving week. Maybe it was a strong desire not to be stuck in a bye week. Perhaps this is the first step the Patriots take to intentionally leave no doubt in their pursuit of the AFC East and the No. 1 seed in the AFC.
Whatever the reason, it was clear that Vrabel prodded, prodded and badgered his players, bringing the heat to the prime-time crowd. With nine straight wins heading into the game, last night was no time to let up.
Instead, they beat it. Figuratively and literally.
The Patriots have 13 days to face the Bills before visiting the Ravens on the road, and the message to the rest of the league is unmistakable. While many teams are going through a long, up-and-down slog, the Patriots are struggling. If they can persist, it will have a significant impact.
It could also give the team its first playoff win since 2018. etc.
