Predicting the Commanders next four games following 2-3 start in 2023

Commanders at Patriots - Week 9

These are not your dad's New England Patriots.

Bill Belichick's trophy-laden stint with the Patriots is rapidly becoming a distant memory. Things have fallen by the wayside since New England and quarterback Tom Brady parted ways, with their efforts this season indicating a major rebuild won't be long in the offing.

Beleaguered quarterback Mac Jones has been benched for two consecutive weeks. The Patriots offense is among the league's worst and have mustered just three points over their last two outings to further complicate matters.

There are few - if any - that boast Belichick's credentials. But the general manager is not helping the head coach right now - and the legendary figure happens to be both.

Going to Gillette Stadium isn't the easiest proposition and their defense does have some talent that could pose complications. Belichick is also a master at neutralizing the opposition's biggest threat, so it's a unique challenge that the Washington Commanders must overcome.

Prediction: Win (5-4)

Make no mistake, the Commanders have absolutely nothing to fear during their trip to the Patriots. Perhaps 3-1 over the next four games is the height of optimism, but this is a crucial stretch of fixtures that Ron Rivera must come out on the other side of with some genuine momentum.