they have a team constructed for regular season (Mac included). when it's win-or-go-home, they don't have the studs to tilt a game anymore.

who is supposed to scare teams on offense? the top receivers were two undrafted free agents and a journeyman. Belichick spent big money on Jonnu Smith and I couldn't even tell you what he's good at.

and the defense last night...Patriots probably have the worst team speed of any playoff team. Hightower and McCourty are more like on-field coaches than difference-makers.

Belichick the GM is responsible for all this. even if a certain somebody had stayed, this team isn't good enough to fight at the top of the playoff field. that 2019 draft was a disgrace:

1 - WR N'Keal Harry (Mr. Invisible; taken ahead of Deebo, AJ Brown, DK Metcalf all in the next 30 picks)
2 - CB JoeJuan Williams (repeatedly burned all his career)
3 - LB Chase Winovich (healthy scratch last night)
3 - RB Damien Harris (good player)
3 - OT Yodny Cajuste (healthy scratch even though their starting LT was hurt)