This NFL season has been like no other. In every sports league there are examples of the effects of Covid-19, and the NFL is no exception to this. Throughout this season, multiple teams have seen contained outbreaks within their locker rooms. This list of teams with players who have tested positive includes the Patriots, Chiefs and Titans to name a few. In addition, with multiple players testing positive it has led to the league changing the schedule for multiple teams. With the changing schedule it makes it difficult for the players to prepare as well as for fans to follow long. The Chiefs, Bills, Broncos, Jets and Patriots are just a few of the teams that have been impacted due to schedule changes.

In particular for the Patriots this season has been a rough start. Going into their week 9 game against the New York Jets on Monday November 9th the Patriots stand with a record of 2 wins and 5 losses. With this losing record the Patriots currently hold 3rd in the AFC East behind the 7-2 Bills and 4-3 Dolphins. The Patriots are only above the winless Jets in their conference. As a lifelong fan of the Patriots this is the complete opposite of the expectations of a team who has run a two-decade long dynasty in not just the AFC East but also for the NFL as a whole. The last time the Patriots started a season 2-4 was in 2000, 20 years ago. Additionally, this the first season since 2002 that the Patriots ended the month of October below .500.

A fan of the Patriots this season has been difficult to watch. Going into this season the Patriots were set to struggle, as the league leading team of players sitting out due to Covid-19. The Patriots were missing key defensive backs in Chung and Hightower. As this season continued on the Patriots suffered losses with key players missing including starting QB Cam Newton. Newton’s absence due to Covid not only created a fear in the fanbase but also showed that he was a shaky player, being benched recently after throwing three interceptions. The Patriots have also had Stephon Gilmore, a key defensive back miss games due to Covid as well.

This leaves the question; will the Patriots be able to turn around their season in the second half? As a fan that is obviously a yes, I must have complete faith in the tradition of success. However, as of recent struggles with injuries and lack of depth, the Patriots have shown that they are vulnerable and no not quite the same dynasty as a few years ago. The rush to get the season record back on track starts in New York against the winless Jets.

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