The New England Patriots are currently facing a challenging season, but they are far from being beyond repair. With a few strategic adjustments, key personnel changes, and improvements in key areas, the Patriots can turn things around and reestablish themselves as a competitive force in the NFL. While they’re experiencing a rough patch, they are still a fixable mess. Here’s an analysis of the current situation and what needs to be done to help the Patriots rebound.
1. Quarterback Play: Finding Consistency
One of the biggest issues for the Patriots this season has been the inconsistency at the quarterback position. Mac Jones showed potential early in his career but has struggled with turnovers, poor decision-making, and a lack of progression in his development. While he’s not the sole reason for the team’s struggles, his performance has been a key factor.
Fixing the Quarterback Position: The Patriots need to either stick with Jones and provide him with the necessary support to succeed or look for a potential upgrade through the draft or trade. If they continue with Jones, simplifying the offense and surrounding him with better protection and playmakers will be crucial for his development.
The Backup Plan: If Jones doesn’t show improvement, it may be time to consider a change at quarterback. Veteran quarterbacks or even a high-potential rookie could be a solution if the Patriots are not fully committed to Jones as the future of the franchise.
2. Offensive Playcalling and Scheme: Adjusting to Modern NFL Trends
Another area where the Patriots have struggled is on offense. The team’s offensive scheme, particularly since Josh McDaniels left as offensive coordinator, has looked outdated and ineffective. The Patriots have not been able to consistently move the ball, and their play calling often seems predictable.
Updating the Playbook: Head coach Bill Belichick is known for his ability to adapt, and it’s time for the Patriots to modernize their offense. The team should focus on quick passing plays, more motion, and utilizing their running backs and tight ends to create mismatches. The addition of Bill O’Brien as offensive coordinator could help in restructuring and refining the play calling to be more dynamic.
Empowering the Skill Players: The Patriots have capable skill players, but they haven’t been utilized effectively. Players like Kendrick Bourne, JuJu Smith-Schuster, and Hunter Henry could thrive in a system that plays to their strengths. The team should focus on building chemistry between the quarterback and skill players to create a more efficient and unpredictable offense.
3. Offensive Line Play: Protecting the Quarterback
A key reason for Mac Jones’ struggles and the offense’s overall inefficiency is the inconsistent play of the offensive line. Pass protection has been an issue, and the running game has also struggled to find consistency. If the Patriots want to turn things around, they need to focus on improving this area significantly.
Improving Offensive Line Play: The Patriots need to prioritize better protection for their quarterback. Whether that means getting more out of their current line or looking for upgrades through the draft or free agency, the line needs to play more cohesively. More physicality and better technique in both pass protection and the run game will be critical to the offense’s success.
4. Defensive Identity: Returning to Strength
While the offense has struggled, the Patriots defense has been more reliable and is still one of the league’s top units. However, there is still room for improvement, especially in creating turnovers and tightening up coverage.
Generating More Pressure: The Patriots have the talent to create a pass rush, but it hasn’t been as consistent this season. Matthew Judon and Ja’Whaun Bentley need more help to consistently get after the quarterback and disrupt opposing offenses. The defense must create more turnovers and give the offense more opportunities to score.
Defensive Backfield: With the secondary featuring strong players like J.C. Jackson, Marcus Jones, and Kyle Dugger, the Patriots should focus on maximizing their coverage abilities. By tightening up the coverage and forcing quarterbacks into mistakes, the defense can create game-changing plays that will shift momentum.
5. Special Teams: A Hidden Asset
The special teams unit, under Bill Belichick’s guidance, has long been a strength for the Patriots, and it continues to be a bright spot. While it’s not the primary focus for most teams, strong special teams can have a huge impact in shifting the momentum of games.
Capitalizing on Special Teams: With Jake Bailey handling punting duties and Nick Folk on field goals, the Patriots can continue to rely on their special teams to pin opponents deep and set up favorable field positions. A solid special teams performance can help the Patriots win the field position battle and contribute to a more efficient offense.
6. Building Around Key Players
To fix the mess, the Patriots need to make sure they are building around their best players. This includes:
Rhamondre Stevenson: The Patriots’ star running back has shown he can be a workhorse in both the running and passing games. Getting him more involved in the offense will take some pressure off the quarterback.
Matthew Judon: As the leader of the defense, Judon needs to continue being a disruptive force, but the Patriots need more players around him to help in getting after the quarterback.
Young Talent: Players like Tyquan Thornton and Cole Strange need to step up and make an impact. Thornton’s speed and ability to stretch the field can open up opportunities for the offense, while Strange’s growth on the offensive line is crucial.
7. Long-Term Outlook: Draft and Free Agency
The Patriots are still in a position where they can make long-term improvements. The upcoming NFL Draft offers a chance to add playmakers at key positions, such as wide receiver, offensive line, and defensive back. Bill Belichick has a history of finding talent in the draft, and the Patriots need to focus on adding young players who can make an immediate impact and help accelerate the rebuilding process.
Free Agency: The Patriots also need to be strategic in free agency. If they can land an impact player at a position of need, such as a dynamic wide receiver or a shutdown corner, it would go a long way in fixing the current issues.
Conclusion
The New England Patriots are indeed a fixable mess, but it will require focused effort in several areas to get back on track. The quarterback play, offensive scheme, offensive line, and defensive consistency are all critical factors that need improvement. While it may take time, the right adjustments can help the Patriots return to form and once again become a contender in the AFC. With Bill Belichick’s leadership, a strong defense, and the right strategic decisions, the Patriots could turn things around and regain their competitive edge.
