The Rams started hot and, then, faltered. What’s in store for the 9-1 Patriots and 49ers?
On Sunday, the two teams with the best NFL records played separate games. The NE Patriots snuck out a win over the Philadelphia Eagles, 17-10. While, on the other coast, the San Francisco 49ers struggled to pull out a win against the 3-7-1 Arizona Cardinals.
But even though both the Pats and ‘Niners are 9-1 on the season, will this adage hold: “You are what your record says you are?”
When looking at both schedules, it’s fair to conclude that both these teams have had relatively easy schedules over the first half of the season–even though both organizations fell to strong divisional teams. The Patriots lost to the Ravens, 37-20, and the 49ers dropped a game to the Seahawks, 27-24.
Those losses proved something that we all know to be true–both teams were (and are) beatable.
Courtesy: Jackson Progress-Argus
While New England has an outstanding defense this year, the offense pales in comparison. Tom Brady has thrown passes to 17 different receivers this year. His favorite receiver, Julian Edelman, is playing injured, and this is the first year (in a long time) that the Pats are playing without a star tight end.
It adds up to this: New England can’t find momentum. Without a reliable offense, it’s not a sure bet the Patriots will advance far in the playoffs. Historically, Bill B and Co. always seem to find a way to rally. But with the trade deadline come and gone, injuries, and lack of depth, it will be an uphill climb for the Patriots this time.
The SF 49ers are in a comparable situation. Yes, unquestionably, this is the most improved team in the NFL, having gone from 4-12 last year to 9-1 so far this season. Let’s give Kyle Shanahan and his defense major credit for the turnaround.
Kyle Shanahan (photo, Head Coaching Ranking)
The problem is the ‘Niners inconsistent offense. There are glimpses of hope in the run game, and Jimmy G throws decently, but the jury is still out about whether this team can be taken seriously as a Super Bowl contender.
Judgment will come soon enough, though. The question is: Can San Fran get through the gauntlet of talented teams it will face on the back half of its schedule?
The elephant in the room is (drumroll) Garoppolo. He has shown times of panic, can be turnover prone, and the lack of receiver depth adds complexity to the equation. That’s a problem because San Francisco’s passing game will need to come through against teams that have shown the ability to stop the run and rush the passer.
So, fans, we have two 9-1 teams that may not be as great as their records suggest. And both clubs will be facing tough teams down the stretch. Examples are the Patriots v. Buffalo and the 49ers v. Baltimore.
There are highly competitive NFL teams with worse records that are arguably playing better and more balanced football. Besides, we’ve already seen a ‘best record’ team bite the dust. The Rams started hot at 3-0, but have gone 2-4 since. Will the same fate befall the Patriots and/or 49ers?
We’ll know the answer soon.
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Katie Hepburn is the co-host of Third & Long on the Worldwide Sports Radio Network.
