Pigskin 20/40 Hindsight

The lesson of history is, we don't know anything (and we definitely should not be operating heavy machinery). Remember when "this was the year" for the Green Bay Packers and Aaron Rodgers? You should. It was only a couple of months ago. 

So far, for Patriots fans, this season has been a ride on a roller coaster designed by M.C. Escher. Consider: New England is in last place in the AFC East but has the second best point differential (+37) in the division. 

What does that mean?

I'm not sure (yeah, I have no idea) but it seems weird and therefore noteworthy and meaningful, doesn't it?

As we enter the Bye Week, the question for all of us east of the Connecticut River is, are the Patriots good? Or at least, better than bad?

Which is better than the question they're asking in Wisconsin, which is, what the hell happened? 

Yes, in some respects, this has been a disappointing season for Patriots Nation but for those who don't suffer from arithmophobia, know that there's a greater than zero mathematical chance for New England to make it to the playoffs. The path there is narrow and steep (Why am I reminded of the movie "Sorcerer" as I write this?), but, yes, I'm saying there's a chance.

Okay. 

I suppose the same is true for every team in the NFL. 

Mathematically.

As daunting as the road ahead may be for my pigskin heroes, it could be worse. Much worse. 

So much worse.

Biggest Disappointments for the 2022 Season (So Far)

Green Bay Packers

Last Sunday, the Packers and future HOF QB Aaron Rodgers lost to the Detroit Lions in a game where Rodgers threw more interceptions than (checks notes) in all of the other games in his career combined. It was Green Bay's 5th loss in a row, with the Dallas Cowboys (6-2-0) coming to Lambeau this weekend. So yeah. It could get worse. 

Los Angeles Rams

They sure don't look like a team that won a Super Bowl just last February.

Their trophy wife QB is way past due for that 100,000 mile checkup, their best running back apparently has issues, and while defenses may need to triple team Cooper Kupp, they actually can triple team Cooper Kupp because there's apparently nobody else Matthew Stafford trusts with the football. 

The Seattle Seahawks may be a chimera but the 49ers with Christian McCaffery alongside Deebo Samuel and George Kittle look electric. 

Las Vegas Raiders

Boy Genius Josh McDaniels, Derek Carr reunited with Davante Adams, star TE Darren Waller, one of the best RBs in the NFL in Josh Jacobs, Chandler Jones paired with Maxx Crosby on defense; it looked like the Raiders were poised to compete with the Kansas City Chiefs for the AFC West. 

What could go wrong?

Besides, I don't know, everything?

It's worth noting that 5 of the Raiders 6 losses have been by a single score (by 5, 6, 2, 1, and 7 points). Bad luck?

Let's just say I'm not standing anywhere near Josh McDaniels in a thunderstorm.

Pittsburgh Steelers

I don't know if it's fair to call the first year post-Roethlisberger a disappointment. It probably isn't fair. I just don't want to miss an opportunity to dunk on the Steelers. (Let's just say there's some history there with the Patriots. By the way, you lost, fair and square, you crybabies.)

The Steelers -77 point differential is the worst in the league. I expected Pittsburgh to struggle but not to outright suck. And yes, saying that made me happy.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Can a first place team be a disappointment?

Yes, when you're 4-5-0 and in first place by virtue of a tiebreaker with (gulp) the Atlanta Falcons. The Marcus Mariota-led Atlanta Falcons. 

Yikes.

Weren't the Bucs supposed to win the NFC South in a walk this year?

Tom Brady is still Tom Terrific and showed again last Sunday why you never, ever, ever give him the ball last because TB12 will cut a bitch. So, sure, Tampa Bay can still win the NFC South, still make it to the playoffs, but Brady is all about Super Bowls and it's hard to picture the Buccaneers making it past the Eagles this year. 

Honorable Mentions

Denver Broncos - Obvious now that Russell Wilson to the Broncos wasn't even Joe Montana to the Chiefs. I know you're disappointed if you're a Denver fan but should you be?

Indianapolis Colts - Frank Reich coaching Matt Ryan just sounded like it would have a happy Hoosiers ending but clearly they've forgotten how to make an underdog movie in Indiana.

Arizona Cardinals - Why does everyone keep thinking the Cardinals are going to be good? They're the definition of pigskin insanity, doing the same thing over and over but expecting a different result.

Stress-free football awaits.

No Pats!