Despite Previously Decrying Patriots’ Downfall as ‘Worst’, Dave Portnoy Expresses Renewed Hope

The New England Patriots were in the midst of a barren run. Ahead of their showdown with the Las Vegas Raiders, they had not scored in seven quarters. They were outscored 72-3 over the last couple of weeks to post 1-4 numbers. Moreover, they had not scored a touchdown in ten quarters. Their last came in the second quarter of the win against the New York Jets three weeks ago. They ended both those streaks against the Raiders, sending their fans, especially Dave Portnoy among them, briefly over the moon.

Sadly, it was not the Patriots’ day. For the first time in three games, head coach and general manager Bill Belichick did not hook starting quarterback Mac Jones following the first half. Jones would later have the chance to be the Patriots’ hero, only to squander it. While the Patriots’ offense stuttered, the defense held firm. The offense had its moments, with two touchdowns scored off lengthy drives. The first of them sent Dave Portnoy into raptures.

A drive worthy of a Super Bowl winner, per Dave Portnoy

Dave Portnoy took to X, to voice his joy. Portnoy had called the Patriots “the worst” following their 34-0 loss to the New Orleans Saints. It followed a 38-3 hammering at the hands of the Dallas Cowboys. Those back-to-back losses were the worst in Belichick’s coaching career. However, the Patriots looked like turning things around with their first touchdown in three games. 

Terming the drive worthy of a Super Bowl winner, Portnoy mused the Patriots had finally begun their season. He predicted they had started their march to the Super Bowl. Later events would then cast a shadow of doubt on that prediction. The Patriots’ offense sparked into life in the second half.

Their first touchdown came in the third quarter, cutting the first-half deficit from ten to three. The sequence lasted 10 plays, covered 75 yards, and clocked 6:04. Ezekiel Elliott ran the ball in from two yards following the snap. Not long after, Jimmy Garoppolo, who sustained a back injury, was taken to the hospital. The signs of a fairytale comeback surfaced, only to be quashed soon enough. Trailing 13-10, the Patriots fell further behind due to a Daniel Carlson field goal.

So close, yet so far!

The Patriots trailed 16-10 at the start of the fourth quarter with the Raiders’ backup quarterback Brian Hoyer on the field. Soon after, with his fourth field goal, Carlson gave the Raiders a 9-point lead. Rhamondre Stevenson, returning to the field following an injury, scored the Patriots’ second touchdown with 3:33 on the clock, making it 19-17.

With 2:22 remaining, Jones had the chance to add to his solitary fourth-quarter comeback win. 35 seconds later, he was sacked by the combination of Maxx Crosby and Bilal Nichols. The safety made the score 21-17, with the Raiders holding on for the win.

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Raiders head coach Josh McDaniels, once Belichick’s offensive coordinator across two stints, reportedly called it an ugly win. He said, “That certainly wasn’t a Picasso out there.” McDaniels credited his team’s fighting spirit. Belichick endured his worst-ever start to an NFL season following the Patriots’ third successive loss.

The Patriots are now 1-5 this NFL season. Up next for them is a return to home turf for a showdown with the Buffalo Bills. The Raiders travel to Soldier Field to take on the Chicago Bears. Two wins on the bounce made their record 3-3 for the season. With pressure mounting, it remains to be seen if Bill Belichick gets the chance to turn things around. Dave Portnoy’s optimism was short-lived. Regardless, he will hope his favorite team comes up with a Hail Mary to salvage their season.

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