Ups & Downs: Uninspiring Loss For Patriots In Miami
BOSTON (CBS) -- Sunday's "effort" in Miami isn't what we were hoping to see from the Patriots as their regular season came to a close.
New England lost 20-10, their fourth losing effort in the last six games, to finish the regular season at 12-4. They could have clinched the No. 1 seed in the AFC with a victory, but now have to hope the Chargers can knock off the Broncos in Denver. If Denver wins the Patriots will finish the second seed in the AFC, meaning they'd have to go back to Denver if the two teams meet in the AFC Championship game.
It was an ugly game, so we'll make today's Ups & Downs quick.
Downs
Where Was The Effort?
Asked if he and his team gave an all-out effort in Miami, Tom Brady was quick to respond "100 percent." It's OK if you are questioning that answer.
For much of the game, it didn't look like that was the case. Sunday's loss was just embarrassing. It was terrible football between two teams that looked like they had no real interest in taking the field. Throughout the game, it was clear the Patriots were playing to not get hurt instead of trying to clinch that No. 1 seed. They threw the ball just five times in the first half, a career-low for Brady, and 25 times by the end of the game.
The offense was just 4-for-14 on third down, continuing a bad trend following last week's 1-for-10 showing against the Jets.
It didn't look like the Patriots wanted it on Sunday.
Brady Took A Beating
The Patriots looked determined to run the ball, but Brady still took his share of hard hits from the Miami D.
He limped off the field in the first half after Ndamukong Suh rolled up on his right leg, but returned after a quick re-tape on the bench. The fact he survived such a scare is probably the best news for the Patriots on an otherwise disappointing Sunday.
Brady was sacked twice and took four other hits from the Miami defense. One of those was a late hit by Olivier Vernon, who delivered a cheap shot into Brady's back in the second half.
Brady admitted he was a pretty sore after the game but said he'll be all right. Let's hope so.
3rd Down Defense
Miami converted eight of their 17 third down tries, including several big plays that kept the New England defense on the field.
Not A Good Way To Close Season
After a 10-0 start, the Patriots finished the regular season with four losses in their last six games. Limping to the finish line is not a good way to end the regular season, and is uncharacteristic of the Patriots.
We'll see how important momentum really is in a couple of weeks.
Ups
They Still Have A Bye
As bad as things were on Sunday (and as bad as they've looked at times over the last six weeks), the Patriots will still get a week off to do some self-evaluation while they wait for their divisional round opponent.
More importantly, it's another week to get guys healthy.
White's Big Play
James White's 68-yard catch and run gave the offense a temporary spark, setting up their only touchdown of the day.
Steven Jackson Gets Comfy
Jackson played a much bigger role in the offense, rushing for 35 yards on six carries. He also took a short pass from Brady on third down to pick up 20 yards and move the chains in the first half.
He's still a bit rusty after sitting out a year of football, but looked much better than he did in his debut last week against the Jets. Speaking of those Jets...
Jets Are Playing Golf
It was an ugly Sunday for the Patriots, but they're still heading to the playoffs. The same cannot be said for the New York Jets.
The Jets were one of the hot teams in the NFL after beating the Patriots in overtime in Week 16, but after losing to Rex Ryan and the Bills in Week 17 and with the Steelers beating the Browns, Pittsburgh snuck back into the playoffs. That means the Jets are heading home without a playoff game for the fifth straight year.
