... can't win the playoffs, but to do so would be a feat on par with what the 2007 Giants pulled off during their improbable run to the title.

Now, this is not a knee-jerk reaction (tell me you saw that one coming).

This is a simple fact: the Patriots, already on shaky ground to begin with entering the playoffs, now have to attempt to outscore teams without their most potent weapon.

This is for one reason and one reason only: blitz protection.

The Patriots do not have an offensive line that is so talented that it can swallow up extra pass rushers. Not many teams in the NFL do.

Most offensive lines live with the fact that if a team brings more than six rushers, there's going to be one free guy. In an 11-on...

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