It might have been the closest the Patriots would get to a “must-win” game in a season where wins were always going to be few and far between.
Taking on a fellow basement-dweller, the Patriots had a chance at a rare victory against the Jaguars in London. If they lost it, they’d be looking at a long and slow slog to the end of what would feel like a meaningless season.
The pressure was on. (As much pressure as there could be, at least, in a game between one-win teams.) And the Patriots folded, getting embarrassed on an international stage, 32-16…