What a Rollercoaster…Patriots Edition

By: William Ferrán

GAINESVILLE VA- Heading into week 3 of the NFL season, what a wild ride it has been thus far. From 90 touchdowns scored in week 1, (most in NFL history for such week), to great clutch wins and devastating loses, to season ending injuries on franchise quarterbacks, and player-requested trades; there were enough headlines to keep you busy for a full season. But in New England… what a rollercoaster! 

The jokes and memes everyone was making in social media platforms had become a reality. On September 7, 2019, within hours of being released by the Oakland Raiders and a day before the first game of the 2019 season, it was announced that Antonio Brown was signed by Bill Belichick as the newest New England Patriot and Tom Brady’s 72nd career pass target. For Patriot fans all over the country the excitement was palpable. 

Memories of the Patriots 2007 season, which included Randy Moss and an undefeated regular season, were suddenly remembered and visualized for the season ahead. Sports analysts were making all sorts of Super Bowl predictions. Football fantasy players were salivating at the opportunities presented. And to top it off, the Patriots were playing the Pittsburgh Steelers in the Sunday night season opener, Antonio Brown’s former team for nine seasons. Did I mention that game also included the Super Bowl 53 championship banner ceremony, tying the Steelers for six Lombardi trophies? I mean, you can’t write stories this good. 

While Brown was not eligible to play in the week 1 matchup, the Patriots showed they really did not need him, defeating the Steelers 33 to 3. Brady threw for 341 yards and three touchdowns.

Jump to Tuesday morning after the game and allegations of sexual assault were announced against Brown. Amid everything else happening around the NFL, one the league’s best receivers was also its biggest distraction. Nonetheless, trust Belichick to navigate through a media circus. Despite the allegation news and all the ensuing investigations, the Patriots focused on their next opponent, the 0-1 Miami Dolphins.

The Dolphins were decimated in Week 1 by the Baltimore Ravens, in a game that ended 59-10. And while the Patriots are famous for losing in Miami, the Dolphins were picked to lose by almost every analyst and fan alike. In week 2, the Patriots continued their winning ways, defeating the Dolphins 43-0. Of course, the main topic of discussion was Antonio Brown’s debut as a Patriot. Sporting number 17, Brown racked up 56 yards and a touchdown as part of Brady’s 264 yards and two passing touchdowns. As a master of the quarterback sneak, Brady also rushed for one yard and a touchdown. 

After the game, his locker was cleared, and Brown was nowhere to be found for media interviews. This past Monday, the NFL met with his accuser as part of the investigation. While no criminal charges were filed per those meetings, Brown is not out of the woods yet. Other allegations and questions about his character remain. The league has yet to comment on any type of disciplinary actions or suspensions. 

Like I said, what a rollercoaster. Time will tell whether Brown stays in a Patriots uniform. In the meantime, the Patriots are on to New York, hosting the Jets this Sunday September 22nd, at1:00PM EST.

Remember what I said about that Patriot defense heading into this season? Yep, they look very good. They have not allowed a touchdown since the AFC Championship game last January against the Kansas City Chiefs, (this includes Super Bowl 53). And with the Jets offense being led by their third string quarterback, Luke Faulk, expect the Patriots defense getting major attention.