The New England Patriots Are Eliminated From Playoff Contention

After today's 22-12 loss to the Miami Dolphins, the New England Patriots are eliminated from playoff contention for the first time since 2008. So much for not needing Tom Brady.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady should be all smiles after he just led a comeback win against the Falcons, while Bill Belichick worries about draft position. Don't want to be too hard on Belichick, since this year's failure was more of an indictment on Cam Newton. We may never see Newton starting a football game after 2020.

The Bradly-less Patriots showed NFL fans what we should've already known. Brady was in charge of the offense, so Bill Belichick could worry about the defense. Now, that Pats O is dreck and couldn't capitalize on average defenses all year, Belichick can't showcase his strength.

Cam Newton wasn't terrible today, throwing for 209 yards, but most of that damage came between the 20's. If you're going to win meaningful games, you need a quarterback worth a hoot in the red zone. Their first time outside the playoffs in 12 years will guarantee the Pats take a quarterback in this year's draft. The question now is who do they take?