The New England Patriots managed to secure the AFC East once again with their win over the Buffalo Bills in Week 16. Regardless, Hall of Fame linebacker Ray Lewis does not want to see quarterback Tom Brady taking his foot off the gas.

The Patriots are hoping to lock up a first-round bye with a victory over the Miami Dolphins in the 2019 NFL season finale. On Showtime's “Inside The NFL,” Lewis provided an interesting tidbit on why staying out of the Wild Card is crucial for Brady, via NESN's Adam London:

“I got a stat about the Patriots. Last time the Patriots been in the Wild Card was 10 years ago, 2009. They ran into the Baltimore Ravens. That didn’t end well, 33-14, Brady three picks,” Lewis said on the latest edition of Showtime’s “Inside the NFL.” “Handle your business, Brady. Don’t get in that Wild Card spot. Anything happens, guys.”

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Lewis has never passed up an opportunity to point out the shortcomings of one of his former opponents. Of course, there is still an element of truth to his comments considering New England's struggles in the 2019 campaign.

It is no secret that Brady is in the midst of an underwhelming year under center as the Patriots offense continues to try to find their footing. The last thing they need is for them to make their return back to the Super Bowl harder than it needs to be. A loss this week could mean that the road to the championship will go through somewhere not named Foxborough.