Way-too-early 2021 NFL Power Rankings: Rams, Packers, Chiefs chasing Buccaneers

For the first time since 2000, the New England Patriots finished the season with a losing record. They also missed the playoffs for the first time since 2008 — which happened to be the season Tom Brady tore his ACL. The Pats still went 11-5 but missed out on the Wild Card due to there being some excellent AFC teams that season.

2020 was similar to 2008 since the Patriots were without Brady who took his talents to Tampa Bay — where he promptly ended the Bucs long run of missing the playoffs. Not only that, but Brady also got his new team to the Super Bowl whereas New England is trying to figure out where to go from here.

Head coach Bill Belichick seemed to be stubborn when it came to a quarterback, refusing to make a move for many of the available veterans or any of the incoming rookies. He then added Cam Newton late in the process, but Newton wasn’t an ideal fit in the Josh McDaniels offense.

Now, he looks as though he will be back on the open market and New England will again need to find a quarterback. If Belichick stops trying to outsmart the room, they could land someone who will be an upgrade but right now, that’s a major question mark. For the first time in a couple of decades, it’s hard to believe in the Patriots.