Examining all 21 New England players who could hit the open market

New England made strides this season, but it needs upgrades defensively and Mac Jones needs more weapons on offense.

A 47-17 playoff loss to Buffalo capped a season that had lots of ups and downs – a slow start, a seven-game winning streak, and then a rough finish.

Buffalo scores touchdowns on every possession until kneeling at the end of the game and cruises to a 47-17 playoff victory.

New England must be able to produce some pivotal stops on defense to beat Buffalo in Saturday’s playoff game.

New England quarterbacks have not thrown a touchdown pass against Buffalo for two seasons. That needs to change on Saturday night for the Patriots to advance.

Teams have targeted New England assistant coaches Josh McDaniels and Jerod Mayo, but the focus for them is on Saturday’s playoff game in Buffalo.

Mayo, the Patriots linebackers coach, is in his third year coaching after playing his entire career in New England.

New England has struggled since its seven-game winning streak ended and needs to turn it around for playoff success.

New England knows the way it played in its regular-season finale against Miami will not be good enough in the playoffs.