Pats seeing red in the red zone

With the Patriots' record to start the season at 1-1, panic has set in throughout Patriot Nation. You can read it on the message boards and hear it when fans call into sports talk radio. While many fans have officially pushed the panic button, they need to keep in mind that the Patriots have only played TWO GAMES. Everyone had high expectations for the Pats' offense with Tom Brady back at the helm at quarterback, and deservedly so. However, what we all should have also realized was that it was going to take time for Brady to get back into rhythm with the offense. Remember, Peyton Manning had a slow start last season after having offseason knee surgery, but the Colts finished the season winning 10 straight games. I anticipate that after a slow start, which could certainly continue with games against Atlanta and Baltimore coming up, the Patriots and Tom Brady will find their rhythm and finish the season strong, making the playoffs. That being said, the Pats aren't that far off from finding their rhythm. In both games this season, the Patriots out-gained their opponents 740 total net yards to 530 total net yards. The problems thus far have been when the offense crosses the 50 yard line, especially when in the red zone. The Patriots simply have not turned their offensive gains into the most important stat of all: points. The Patriots have settled for mostly field goals or turnovers on downs. Foolish penalties, such as delay-of-games and holding, have also knocked them off their rhythm and in some cases, notably last Sunday against the Jets, cost them points. Success in the red area is the key to turning the corner and getting the team heading into the right direction. Think back to last season after Brady was injured and Matt Cassel took over the team. Early on, the team struggled in the red zone and settled for many field goals, helping Stephen Gostkowski make the Pro Bowl. Once Cassel got comfortable with the offense, they became a very efficient and powerful offensive team. With Brady at QB, I expect that turnaround to come much quicker.Not having Wes Welker against the Jets also did not help. Welker does much more than simply run crisp routes and have good hands. Welker and his replacement, Julian Edelman, have very similar numbers thus far. Against the Bills, Welker had 12 catches for 93 yards while Edelman had 8 catches for 98 yards against the Jets. Edelman did exceptionally well for his first pro game at wide receiver. However, what Edelman does not necessarily have down yet are the route adjustments that Welker makes based on coverages and pressure on the QB. Welker's ability to cut a route short under heavy pressure or adjust the direction of the route is what helps Brady avoid sacks and is, for all intents and purposes, Brady's security blanket. It looks like Edelman is well on his way, but he has a little ways to go before he completely fills in Welker's shoes. It is not known yet whether Wes will play Sunday, but he did not practice with the team today.While the Pats surely have their kinks to work out, it is not yet time to jump off the Tobin Bridge. If it is late in the season and we're seeing the same issues, then it may be time to panic. Knowing Belichick's history with the team, those kinks will certainly be fixed sooner rather than later.Go Pats!