After two straight losses, the New England Patriots are trying to figure out how the wheels are coming off. Injuries are the biggest issue for the team as quarterback Tom Brady continues to try and make something out of nothing. Relying on depth has not worked out for the team as the fell to both the Broncos and the Eagles. Now with a matchup against the Houston Texans on the horizon, can the Patriots turn things around?
The return of Danny Amendola did not help the Patriots get a win, but could the return of Rob Gronkowski right the ship? The tight end missed Week 13 with a knee strain and deep bruise. However, hope is not high that the star comes back in Week 14. According to NESN.com, there is no timetable for Gronkowski's return and no one is expecting him back against the Texans as he remains out of practice. There is now a belief that Gronkowski could be out until the postseason which is when Julian Edelman is also expected to return. Brady is certainly hoping that is not the case as he needs his tight end back on the field.
"I'm not sure what his status is at this point," Brady said, via Westwood One Radio. "He worked hard last week in his rehabilitation. I'm not sure where he will be this week. He's a very hard worker and he's a tough guy. Whenever he's ready he will be out there. I'm not sure if it's going to be this week. Hopefully it's sooner rather than later, but that is up for he and the trainers to decide."
Without Gronkowski on the field, James White emerged as a star for the Patriots. White might have only had four yards rushing, but he did managed 115 yards and a touchdown off 10 catches. He and Amendola led the way with 13 targets on the day. White was the different maker on the field for New England, but still want not enough for the team to get the win. According to White, the big game does not matter if the team does not win.
"We know what we're capable of and we just try to learn from the mistake we made and move on to Houston. It's going to be a challenge for us this week." said White, via CSNNE.com. "You have to put it in your rear view mirror as fast as possible. The weeks go by really fast and when you're facing a great opponent like the Houston Texans, you've got to with guys like J.J. Watt, Vince Wilfork, Clowney, all types of guys that will be difficult to block."
Heading into Week 14, if Gronkowski is out Amendola, White and Scott Chandler become critical for Brady. Keshawn Martin has a chance to improve while Brandon LaFell must step up.
