How does the narrative change?
Let’s assume the Pats win and Mac has a solid game. Nothing heroic, no last drive comeback. Just a clean win.
How does the fanbase and media start talking about this team and about Mac as the guy moving forward?
We know weeks 1 & 2 were winnable games but we also know Bill Belichick had two of his worst losses of his career in weeks 4 & 5.
Patriots would be 3-5, 3-1 within the division. The schedule gets much easier from here with the Commanders, Colts and Giants on deck.
Are we able to chalk the slow start up to lack of system experience, injuries, a makeshift Oline, wasting time with Parker & Juju??
Or would you need to see more to change your opinion?
Who would give up a 6 for both, let alone 1 each? Only chance of getting anything for both or either is heavy reliance on the PT Barnum axiom: There’s a sucker born everyday.