5 Reasons Why The Minnesota Vikings Will Defeat The New England Patriots
By Daniel
Sep 7, 2014; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins defensive tackle Jared Odrick (98) sacks New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) during the second half at Sun Life Stadium. The Dolphins won 33-20. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
4. Patriots’ Offense Lacks Rhythm
In last weeks troubling loss to the Miami Dolphins the Patriots couldn’t get it going in the second half offensively. Brady fumbled on the first drive and the Patriots proceeded to punt in its next four possessions. Despite running the ball fairly successfully the Pats inexplicably forced the passing game, but it just wasn’t clicking. New England lacks elite players at the skill position, with the exception of tight end Rob Gronkowski of course. But that isn’t necessarily an indicator that their struggles will continue. Tom Brady has won with less heralded talent before.
Against the Dolphins the Patriots blew a 20-10 lead in the second half, mostly due to its offensive’s inability to sustain drives. As uncharacteristic as this was for Brady and the Pats; I expect these struggles to continue against the Vikings. Minnesota showed what it can do on defense in week one and it won’t be any easier on the Pats. Will Brady have a better game than his 29 of 56 performance against the Dolphins? That’s almost a guarantee, but will New England’s offense suddenly be hitting on all cylinders? That I cannot see happening. Especially with Gronkowski nursing a knee injury heading into the contest. Apparently he’s still on track to play, but him not being at 100 percent is certainly not going to help the Pats’ lack of rhythm.