After starting the season 10-0, the Patriots have dropped three of their past five games, including a 26-20 upset to the New York Jets in overtime in Week 16.
Injuries are starting to take their toll on the NFL's model franchise. Several key players who are out of action have forced the Patriots to alter their game plans and strategies to keep things copacetic. Unfortunately for the Patriots, the results haven't always been satisfactory.
Some players have held up their end of the bargain, while others are leaving room for improvement. Here's a look at both ends of the spectrum.