To say that Colin Cowherd has low expectations for the Patriots this season would be an understatement.
FS1 host predicted Tuesday that New England will struggle in 2020 despite hiring quarterback Cam Newton after the departure of steadfast Tom Brady.
The Patriots only ended the 2019 crusade with one negative. Bill Belichick hasn’t done much to fill the gaps on the New England roster either.
“The Belichick-Cam thing worked better, at least from a public relations point of view, than I thought,” Cowherd said. “But it will be a very bad football team. I recognize that Belichick loves Cam, Cam loves Bill, Kumbaya. ” Belichick went on to say, “Cam worked really hard. He did everything we asked him to. So far, everything is going well. ” But it is obvious to me.
“Let me point out a few small difficulties. After Halloween, which was delayed in October, the Patriots scored 25 numbers once (last season), unlike the horrible Bengals. It was with Tom Brady, who memorized the system. It was 4 – 5 in their last nine games. They had 8 players disengage, and they lost several key starters to the loose signing and didn’t update any of them. Oh yeah, the draft, they’re not great at that and they never, ever, pick someone who has a warning has an effect on the star. “
Patriots definitely have holes on both sides of the ball. If they want to advance to the playoffs this season, let alone win their twelfth direct AFC East title, it will be an impressive achievement for Belichick and new England training staff.
“It’s debatable: there’s no closed wing, no deep threats, the mythical coach of the offensive line is gone, Brady’s out, Gronk’s gone. It’s bad, ” said Cowherd. ” I’ve got them at 5-11. “
This turns out like a season for the NFL, which will be forced to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic, and that may open the door to some surprises. Perhaps Newton has returned to MVP form and the Patriots have once again overseen the Buffalo Bills, New York Jets and Miami Dolphins in the AFC East.
But Cowherd wouldn’t be surprised if Belichick’s technique for the Patriots roster this season is intentional, with New England as the unprecedented cases to restructure before 2021.
“I think Belichick knows there’ll be three world-class field marshals next year. He knows that thanks to Brady, you can’t win in this league at the elite point without a superstar quarterback game,” Cowherd said. “And I think Belichick knows he had a history of losses in Cpoin and when he didn’t have it. And I think New England is aiming for a year of restructuring: “take the year off, boys,” it would probably not update the loose agents, the draft draft projects written more than the players star.
“I don’t think New England is a smart football team. I think they’re 5-11, 6-10 at most. “
Is Cowherd promoting the Pats briefly?
Miniature photo Douglas DeFelice / USA TODAY Sports Images