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Meeting expectations: Expectations for Bill Belichick are obviously going to be high. The truth is the roster lacks talent, and while it's fair to blame Belichick the general manager for that, this exercise is about coaching. And he continues to be among the league's best in that area. The offense took on the challenge of implementing a completely new scheme with Cam Newton. The results have been mostly mediocre but not disastrous. The defense, though, has taken a big step back. Overall, the Patriots are 5-6, which is not bad, considering how many holes they have on their roster. I don't think anyone would look at this year and conclude that Belichick has lost his fastball.

They keep on scrapping to win games, even if they aren't pretty in doing so. That's a testament to Bill Belichick's coaching.

Entering make-or-break stretch of schedule that starts with three-week road trip which includes two games in five days at Los Angeles' new SoFi Stadium.

Most important game remaining: Week 13 at L.A. Chargers

"The Next One." When Tom Brady used to be asked which Super Bowl ring was his favorite, that was always his answer. In the case of the Patriots' remaining schedule, it also applies because at 5-6 they likely can't afford another loss if they want to keep their long-shot playoff hopes alive. The final five games unfold this way -- at Chargers, at Rams, at Dolphins, vs. Bills, vs. Jets. -- Mike Reiss

The Patriots are never going to win pretty this year. They're simply not built that way. But results are results, and New England has now won three of four games after a last-second 20-17 win over the Cardinals. Cam Newton salvaged an otherwise-unsightly day with a late 14-yard scramble on third-and-13 that turned into a 29-yard play when Isaiah Simmons was flagged for a late hit on the quarterback. Four plays later, the Pats were celebrating after Nick Folk's 50-yard field goal attempt split the uprights. Week 11's disappointing setback against Houston put the Pats in a situation where they might have to win out to keep their postseason streak alive. A three-game road trip begins with a matchup against the 3-8 Chargers.