"The most annoying narrative Patriots fans have had to hear this season has been regarding their weak schedule. Admittedly, it was the easiest in the league. Playing the Jets and Dolphins twice a year, along with a last-place schedule, makes for an easier strength of schedule, and that shouldn't come as a surprise. If t he schedule truly is as easy as thought, then a 14-3 record should be the expectation, and that's exactly what Drake Maye and company were able to do."
"The league's second-best offense has taken a step back in the playoffs. In their first matchup against the Chargers, they scored a single touchdown in a 16-3 win. In the following game, Drake Maye fumbled four times en route to a 28-16 victory over the Texans. Given Marcus Jones' pick six, the offense scored just 21 points despite the Texans turning the ball over five times themselves. All in all, the offense without a doubt needs to improve."
"The Patriots have played some of the best defenses in the league The Chargers' defense is legit. While not laden with stars like the Texans' or Broncos' units, they work well cohesively. Pro Bowler Tuli Tuipulotu, Odafe Oweh, Khalil Mack, and Daiyan Henley headline the front seven, while Derwin James is one of the best defensive backs in the league."
New England finished 14-3 against an easier regular-season slate, meeting expectations for a weak schedule. The offense, previously ranked second, faltered in the playoffs with limited scoring and multiple turnovers from Drake Maye, including four fumbles. Playoff wins over the Chargers and Texans masked offensive issues, as both opponents entered with strong regular-season records. The playoff path has featured elite defenses by EPA, creating a difficult gauntlet. The Chargers present a cohesive defensive front with multiple Pro Bowl-caliber players and a top defensive back, while the Texans field a dominant, edge-rushing core.
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