For the first time since 2001, the New England Patriots are starting the season 0-2, but there is still plenty of games remaining. 

The Patriots are one of eight teams that are defeated this season, but ESPN's Stephen A. Smith doesn't have high expectations for the team based out of Foxborough. 

"It don't matter whether the Patriots are ready or not, they just don't have it," Smith said on First Take on Tuesday. "They don't have it because Mac Jones is not that dude, because the offensive personnel that Bill Belichick is surrounding him with, they're not those dudes."

"I also have to take into account Bill Belichick's record since Tom Brady's departure. I have to take into account Bill Belichick and the personnel he's surrounded Mac Jones with. I have to take into account last year, you thought your definition of an offensive coordinator was Matt Patricia and Joe Judge," Smith added. "I'm looking at all of those things and I'm saying, excuse me, the Patriots have been struggling offensively, but they've been getting the job done defensively for the last few years and they still haven't rectified that the only thing they've done to come close to it is Bill O'Brien being offensive coordinator." 

Despite digging a hole from themselves in the first two games, the Patriots were able to fight their way back and narrowly complete the comeback. However, they were unable to get over the finish line.

"I give New England Patriots respect for that," Smith said about their ability to compete against two tough teams. "I'm just saying, I don't expect much from them offensively. I don't think they have what it takes offensively."

The Patriots defense has been a major reason why the team has been able to stay in the game, causing turnovers and giving the offense a chance to get down to the end zone. Because of this, Smith did give the Patriots one compliment in a sea of criticism. 

"There defense is real," he said.

Yet Smith added that he had no expectations for the Patriots even prior to the start of the season. 

"What I'm saying is when you ask me who's in the most trouble, I'm thinking that Cincinnati will find its way out of it," Smith explained. "I don't think the Patriots are going to find its way out of anything just like we didn't expect them to." 

Along with the Patriots, the Chicago Bears, Cincinnati Bengals, Denver Broncos, Arizona Cardinals, Las Angeles Chargers, Carolina Panthers, Houston Texans, and Minnesota Vikings have started the season 0-2. 

However, the Bengals also started last season with two losses and managed to fight their way into the Conference Championship. 

So while Smith believes some of the other teams can get back on track despite the slow start, he doesn't have any hope for the Patriots. 

Patriots players react to final play that almost resulted in crucial first down

This one certainly stung.

Featured Image via David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports