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Get used to it Patriots fans. Get used to the Patriots winning ugly games like they did yesterday against Arizona.

Let’s face it. The Patriots are not good enough to win any other way. They lack the talent necessary to win games by two or more scores. This team is going to be in close games week in and week out.

In order for them to win, they need to play well in all three phases. They must run the ball, control the clock, play good defense and kick the ball well. If they do those things, they have a shot against every team remaining in their schedule.

If they do not do one of those three things, they will struggle and either lose a close game like they have been or possibly get blown out like they did against San Francisco.

Patriots fans have been spoiled for the last twenty years. Sure, the team played in its fair share of close games but there were plenty of blow out wins as well.

Those days are over. The 2020 Patriots have to play an A game each and every week to have any chance of winning. Anything less and they lose.

At 5-6, the Patriots are still in playoff contention but the next two weeks will determine whether or not they actually make the playoffs. The Chargers and Rams are both explosive offensive teams that can make big plays. Neither team is exactly an ideal match up for the Patriots.

I have learned however not to doubt this Patriots team because just when you think they are down, they find a way to bounce back.

A lot has to go their way the rest of the season in order for the Patriots to make the playoffs. If they do, it will be because they won games to qualify. They will win those games in ugly fashion. In the end it doesn’t matter however because a win is a win and that’s all that matters.