By the time this blog is released, it will be hours away from kickoff for the Patriots-Rams. The Patriots are 6-6 and have had an up and down season so far in the 2020 campaign. From inconsistent passing game to covid outbreak this has been one of the more memorable but weirder seasons in patriots history but that being said they have won 4 of their last 5 and feel like they have found an identity of power football and defense. Is there a path? Yes! It’s truly achievable? It is but it is not guaranteed. So let’s take a look at what needs to go right.

Sticking to that identity 

This is simple: they need to run the football. Damien Harris needs to carry over 20 times and Sony Michel to spell him once a while. Once they can establish the run they need to use play-action passing with crossing routes for Myers, Byrd, and using N’Keal Harry in the slot. This has produced success in the offense in recent weeks.

On the defensive side, it’s been simple the return of Stephon Gilmore has given the Patriots defense to be more creative and blitz more. In recent weeks they are blitzing more which makes guys like Josh Uche, Chase Winovich, Adam Butler thrive. 

If they can keep it up winning out is possible.

The Path

This has been a debate for the last month among past Twitter and talk radio. One part is simple: the Pats need to win out to go 10-6 by beating the Rams, Dolphins, Bills, and Jets, and then part two they need a lot of help with Ravens, Dolphins, Colts, and Titans all ahead of them. But it is helpful they tie break over ravens and raiders. Also, it helps that Raiders play the dolphins and colts down the stretch. Dolphins play the chiefs, you, said raiders, and bills. The Colts have the aforementioned Raiders, Deshaun Watson’s Texans, and the Steelers down the stretch. While Ravens have browns and giants down the stretch. 

It may be possible, I won’t lie given how unpredictable and bad coaches are across the league, helps these teams have tough opponents down the stretch and the tiebreakers you have and might have down the stretch. So we will know a lot after Thursday night and if they win, crank out those NFL playoff machines and let’s ride.

Go Pats!

-Fiesta (@tsf52)