Game Rewind: The Patriots were shut out for the first time ever at Gillette Stadium 16-0 by the Bills in what was a lackluster performance. Today’s performance by the Patriots was a complete 180 of last Thursday night’s 27-0 win over the Texans. Needless to say, Tom Brady can’t return fast enough.

Here are my five thoughts on the game.

1. Brissett Was Battered: You have to feel for rookie quarterback Jacoby Brissett who despite a thumb injury put forth a valient effort. Brissett looked like rookie however and his inability to get rid of the ball really hurt the Patriots offensively.

 Brissett never looked comfortable and much of that was attributed to the pressure the Bills were bringing most of the game. 

2. Run Game Was Ineffective: LeGarrette Blount has been a big part of the Patriots success thus far this season but he was ineffective today rushing for only 54 yards on 13 carries. Blount was a big reason for the Patriots 3-0 record but the offense will change now that Brady is back. It’ll be interesting to see how Blount fits in. 

3. The Defense Was Disappointing: As good as the Patriots looked against the Texans defensively, they were equally disappointing today. Simply put, the defense didn’t show up! The Patriots needed the defense to play well today and they didn’t.Patriots fans need to stop telling themselves this is a championship caliber defense because its not.

4. Lone Star: Tight end Martellus Bennett was the only bright spot for the Patriots today. Bennett finished with 5 catches for 109 yards and was the only offensive player who actually made a couple of plays. Bennett has been worth the investment the Patriots made in him thus far, especially because Gronk has been hurt and a disappointment.

5. The GOAT is Back: Tom Brady is back tomorrow morning at 12:01 am. As bad as a 16-0 loss feels, be positive Patriots fans. The greatest quarterback of all time returns tomorrow and he couldn’t be coming back sooner! 

Photo courtesy of Patriots Wire/USA Today