Three Problems The Patriots Need To Fix Going Forward
Updated: Sep 10, 2023
Three big problems New England needs to fix to become a Super Bowl contender
While the Patriots are currently in the playoffs, they still have issues that they have to fix with personnel and their roster. Here are three problems that the Patriots must fix to be successful going forward.
Offensive Coordinator
With the AFC becoming more explosive on offensive talent, the Patriots need to match that. Mac Jones showed lots of promise in his rookie year, throwing for 3,801 yards and 22 touchdowns, despite not having a true elite receiver. However, the way that New England has built the team around Mac Jones has been less than ideal. Instead of replacing Josh McDaniels with another experienced coordinator, they brought in Matt Patricia as the offensive coordinator.
Due to Matt Patricia not having experience being an offensive coordinator, Mac Jones hasn’t been as good as last year. Overall, the offense has regressed significantly. Mac Jones has flashed potential, but New England hasn’t seen the development they expected from him. Bringing in an experienced offensive coordinator will help Mac Jones develop, and the offense as a whole should see a healthy progression.
The play-calling has also been underwhelming this season, and there is a lack of creativity. As mentioned before, the NFL is becoming a league based on offense, and the Patriots need to get a more experienced play-caller to match up with that.
Elite Wide Receiver
The Patriots also have to get a wide receiver one. Elite wide receivers help quarterbacks elevate their play, and if New England wants Mac Jones to reach his ceiling, they need to acquire an elite wide receiver. It can be seen with numerous teams, like the Dolphins getting Tyreek Hill, or the Eagles getting A.J. Brown. New England has plenty of drives that stagnate from the star. The Patriots do have good depth at receiver like Jakobi Meyers, Devante Parker, Kendrick Bourne, and a developing Tyquan Thornton.
New England needs to get a true elite receiver. Getting Mac Jones a consistent elite receiver will help raise his game, and help the offense get going if it is stagnant.
Getting an elite wide receiver will also help the other receivers for the Patriots. Not getting the most attention from the defenses would free up the load on Jakobi Meyers and Devante Parker, who would likely thrive in a secondary role rather than the role they are in now.
Offensive Line
Another major issue for the Patriots this year has been the offensive line. New England usually has a top ten offensive line, but this year the unit has regressed a lot. The offensive tackle position especially has been a major issue. Trent Brown has has had an inconsistent year, and he has generated a lot of calls that make the Patriots have to gain more yardage. Isaiah Wynn has regressed a lot as well. Both of these issues have made the offensive line a lot weaker.
Getting the offensive line right should be a major priority, as it is a factor in Mac Jones’ regression as well. Getting a consistent producer at the tackle position would be great for New England, and it will help both their run and pass game. Also, Mac will finally have more time in the pocket to throw. With New England not having an elite receiver, and the offensive line regressing, the offense has looked mediocre. Fixing the tackle position will help solve a massive issue for the Patriots’ offense.
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