Boomer Esiason: Patriots' Defense Too Passive In Loss Against Seahawks
BOSTON (CBS) -- Faced with their biggest test of the season, the Patriots did not bring their A-game against the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday night.
The defense struggled for much of the evening and the offense couldn't get it done in the end, as Seattle handed the Patriots a 31-24 loss at Gillette Stadium, dropping New England to 7-2 on the season. Russell Wilson hit Doug Baldwin for three scores and converted on a number of key downs in the back-and-forth affair, and the Patriots offense failed to find the end zone on four different tries from two yards out in the final 43 seconds.
Boomer Esiason of CBS' The NFL Today and WFAN joined 98.5 The Sports Hub's Toucher & Rich on Monday morning to break down the game, said said the Patriots' defense was just too passive against Wilson and company.
"They sat back in the customary zones that they like to sit back in. Especially at the end of the first half, only rushing two guys and not getting any pressure on Russell Wilson," Boomer said of Wilson's 18-yard touchdown strike to Baldwin ahead of the half, capping off a 75-yard drive that took less than a minute. "When you play the Patriots, the key is to stay patient and stay with the short stuff. They'll give you all that, just don't force it down field and force interceptions or have a fumble."
Wilson's touchdown to Baldwin just ahead of the half came right after the Pats had taken a 14-12 lead. The Seattle QB saw little pressure, giving him plenty of time to work his magic, and went 5-for-6 for 69 yards on the drive.
"It was interesting from an ex-quarterback standpoint, saying, 'I can't believe Matt Patricia only rushed two guys.' When you're playing a guy like Wilson, who is finally healthy, you see what happens when you have that defensive thought. They had no pressure on Russell Wilson through four quarters, but especially at the end of the first half," added Boomer.
While the defense will take the brunt of the blame, Esiason also pointed out costly turnovers made by the offense.
"The New England Patriots are not infallible. I told you for the last few weeks that their defense was going to be somewhat suspect. But when their offense is thrown off a little bit like that night, it's unfortunate for them," he said. "Brady threw the interception and no touchdown passes. They ran the ball somewhat effectively, but you saw what the Seattle defense is like with Kam Chancellor back on the field. He is a total difference maker, from the way he plays on the field to the attitude with the team.
"If you go back and ask Tom Brady how the offense played, I think he would tell you they misfired on a number of opportunities and to get shutout at the goal line, I'm sure there is disappointment on that side of the ball too," said Boomer.
Esiason dismissed the notion that Bill Belichick writing a letter to Donald Trump prior to Tuesday's election posed a distraction leading up to and during Sunday night's game.
"It's not a national story. The amazing thing to me is to watch the sports media, trying to drive a wedge between coaches and players," said Boomer. "If you are a true professional, and you go to work and want to live up to your contract, all that stuff can't permeate your brain or part of who you are or in that locker room. You have to go out and play the game.
"I thought last night was a great game; I thought the New England defense was way too passive. Especially at the end of the first half when they had just the two-man rush. And I don't think anyone at that given time is thinking of Donald Trump. That I can tell you 100 percent," said Boomer.
Esiason also touched on then impact Jamie Collins could have had on Sunday night's game if he were still on the team, and Vince Wilfork's eating habits. Listen to the full podcast below: