Are the Patriots’ skill position players better this year than last?
By Hal Bent
Major losses
Other than the loss of Rob Gronkowski, the Patriots did not have any other major, franchise-altering skill position losses.
They return Julian Edelman (74 receptions in 12 games), Phillip Dorsett (32 receptions in 2018), and receiving running back James White (87 receptions in 2018). (All statistics from Pro-Football-Reference.com unless otherwise noted.)
Perhaps the most concerning loss outside of Gronk was that of Josh Gordon.
Gordon was indefinitely suspended last December after playing 11 games in New England and pulling in 40 receptions for 720 yards and three touchdowns. A bonafide deep threat and burner along the sidelines, Gordon averaged 18 yards per reception in 2018. Although the Patriots managed to win the Super Bowl without him, Gordon’s big play ability gave the offense another dimension when he was active.
Gordon has reportedly applied for reinstatement, but his future in New England remains up in the air. Even if the NFL chooses to reinstate Gordon, he has to remain on his best behavior to stay on the roster and be able to contribute in 2019.
Cordarrelle Patterson and Chris Hogan both struggled offensively in the playoffs last season. Patterson had just four receptions for 32 yards in three postseason games, although he at least had some strong performances in the return game to contribute.
Hogan had more playing time but little more production. He managed just eight receptions for 58 yards on 18 targets. Particularly in the Super Bowl, Hogan’s inability to make plays hurt the offense repeatedly. He was targeted six times with no receptions, and the first of the passes that came his way was intercepted, effectively ending New England’s first drive deep in Los Angeles territory.