NFL power rankings: Chiefs stay hot in Week 6, 49ers stay low
By Peter Panacy
Despite their 19-14 Thursday Night Football road win over the Buccaneers, the Patriots still own the league’s worst defense, in terms of total yards allowed (2,236). And one short week isn’t going to solve all of head coach Bill Belichick’s defensive problems.
It’s good his defense was able to do enough on the short week, though, as New England’s offense managed just one touchdown over the course of the game — a five-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Tom Brady to wide receiver Chris Hogan in the second quarter.
Brady and the Pats offense is still prolific enough, even without tight end Rob Gronkowski (leg), who was absent from the game.
It just didn’t show enough to justify moving up or even staying put.
The Patriots’ inconsistent season might begin to settle a bit with a Week 6 matchup on the road against the now-feisty Jets.
New England should win that game, although not all is right for the Patriots right now.