Darren Sproles returns punt for TD against Patriots (Video)

The New England Patriots have not looked like the New England Patriots against the Eagles.

The New England Patriots during the Bill Belichick-Tom Brady era have been the NFL’s most disciplined team; they’re a calm bunch that takes the demeanor of their head coach, and are predominantly safe and responsible on special teams.

For the first time in a decade plus, the Patriots special teams unit completely unraveled throughout the course of Sunday’s game against the Philadelphia Eagles. First, the Eagles blocked a New England punt just before halftime, which was returned for a touchdown by Najee Goode that tied the game at 14-14.

The Patriots special teams errors continued into the third quarter. Down 21-14, the Pats punted to return specialist Darren Sproles — well known for returning punts for touchdowns — and the elusive Sproles took one up the sideline for 83 yards for the Eagles’ second special teams touchdown of the game:

The plays, especially the punt return touchdown, were totally uncharacteristic of the Patriots. The unit seemed lackadaisical by leaving running room along the sideline for Sproles. That, and poor tackling, caused Sproles to score by virtually going close to untouched. Sproles’ score extended Philadelphia’s lead to 28-14 heading into the fourth quarter.

What once seemed like a technically sound, unstoppable dimension for the Patriots has suddenly become a huge issue:

In addition to allowing the easy scores, Pats return specialist Julian Edelman has a foot injury that will (likely) keep him out for the rest of the season.

Bill Belichick and New England always seem to figure it out, but today’s game was a rare hiccup for a team that doesn’t experience them too often.