It’s been a crazy few days, and before you flip out over the title of this article, stop to think about it. You will see that I’m probably right.
Let’s take a look at what the New England Patriots are dealing with heading into tonight’s game against the Kansas City Chiefs.
It all starting with them losing starting quarterback Cam Newton on Friday night due to a positive Coronavirus test. The team was collectively sent home, not knowing if an outbreak like the one in Tennessee was coming. Players and coaches were then told the game was going to be pushed back, likely a day or two.
The Patriots were then forced to fly to Kansas City on game day, which usually would violate the league’s own rules. They arrived in Missouri seven hours before kickoff, and were then taken to a hotel to “rest” and get ready for the game. And, to top it all off, they are getting ready to play against the best team in the league while being led by a quarterback, Brian Hoyer, who has never started a game as a Patriot and hasn’t won one in four years.
Also, think about the mindset of the guys in the locker room. Of course they are expected to focus on the game and push everything else aside, but they flew to Kansas City on two separate planes. Everyone knows that there is still a chance that more players or staff members are positive within the locker room, and just haven’t tested that way yet. Maybe they shouldn’t be thinking about it, but I would assume that any human being would have that thought at least in the back of his or her mind.
Does this mean that the Patriots cannot win against the Chiefs tonight? No, but a win appears to be incredibly unlikely and would be a tremendous achievement given the circumstances surrounding New England’s trip west.
The fact is, we are in an unprecedented time right now, and the Patriots are facing something unlike any team in NFL has ever faced before. The resilience of this squad has been tested many times in the last 20 years, but I can’t imagine it has ever been tested quite as much as it will be tonight.
Pat is a host of The Patriot Nation Podcast
Interact with him on Twitter @plane_pats