3 Fatal Flaws That Could End the Patriots' Playoff Run

We all know the typical narrative that surrounds the New England Patriots each season. Tom Brady has one moment of football mortality and suddenly the Patriots dynasty is dead because TB12 is washed up.

While that same narrative is playing out once again this season, this time there is real reason to fear for New England's Super Bowl aspirations. Here are three fatal flaws that could sink the Patriots' playoff run.

3. No Complementary Playmakers on Offense

Edelman has had to stand on his head (literally) just to move the chains for the Patriots / Kathryn Riley/Getty Images

Aside from Julian Edelman and James White (a duo that accounts for 47.5% of the team's receptions), the Patriots have virtually no reliable pass-catching options for Brady. While the team spent a first-round pick on N'Keal Harry and sent a 2020 2nd-round pick to the Falcons for Mohamed Sanu, both receivers have dealt with injuries throughout their brief tenures with the team.

The sputtering Patriots offense has turned the overwhelming SB favorite into a second-tier competitor. @PFF analysis looks at how bad it's been versus prior lulls and why receivers' inability to separate has made Brady one of the worst pressured passers https://t.co/DjEeIAVWpa pic.twitter.com/bM5qomdeES
— Kevin Cole (@KevinColePFF) December 12, 2019

2. No Longer the Best in the AFC

Lamar Jackson torched the Pats D in Week 9 / Scott Taetsch/Getty Images

We have already seen New England fall to Baltimore, Houston, and Kansas City this season, as the talent disparity that has long existed in the AFC appears to have closed in quickly. It truly appears as if the Ravens are the best team in the AFC by a wide margin through 15 weeks.

Ravens can clinch a first-round bye if either Kansas City loses to Denver or the New England falls at Cincinnati.

Baltimore secures the No. 1 seed in the AFC and home-field advantage throughout the playoffs if the Chiefs lose or tie and the Patriots lose.
— Jamison Hensley (@jamisonhensley) December 13, 2019

1. Tom Brady's Regression

Brady's struggles have been a major storyline this season / Maddie Meyer/Getty Images

While Brady's struggles can be attributed to the shortage of receiving talent and the deteriorating health of his offensive line, the 42-year-old has looked mediocre at best this season. His uncharacteristic 60.5 completion percentage, compounded with his 86.5 QB rating (lowest since 2013), should have fans very concerned heading into the playoffs. What's going on in New England?