Musket Fire
FanSided

New England Patriots 4 Downs Preview: Week 12 vs Dallas Cowboys

By Michael Perry

ARLINGTON, TX - OCTOBER 11: Quarterback Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots drops back to pass during the second half of the NFL game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium on October 11, 2015 in Arlington, Texas. The Patriots defeated the Cowboys 30-6. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TX - OCTOBER 11: Quarterback Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots drops back to pass during the second half of the NFL game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium on October 11, 2015 in Arlington, Texas. The Patriots defeated the Cowboys 30-6. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 5
Next
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – NOVEMBER 17: N’Keal Harry #15 of the New England Patriots runs a route during the first half against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on November 17, 2019 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – NOVEMBER 17: N’Keal Harry #15 of the New England Patriots runs a route during the first half against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on November 17, 2019 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /

2nd Down: Brady, trust the young kids… you may have to

Tom Brady is running out of reliable weapons that he can trust on offense. It’s a short list that consists of Julian Edelman, James White, and maybe the newly-acquired Mohammed Sanu. After that, it’s a toss up of who Brady can trust in key moments of an important game.

N’Keal Harry made his pro debut last week and had a solid if not spectacular showing. It is still something to build on as the season continues, nears the end, and then we move into the playoffs. Jakobi Meyers has also shown flashes of potential at different points this season, and the veteran tight end Ben Watson has proven that even at his age he can still play at the respectable level it takes to help an offense. Sony Michel has been catching the ball out of the backfield recently, and this could be a way to get him going back to the player he was last year.

However, the offense can’t seem to get the train moving and the previous down (struggling offensive line) could be a factor, but it could also be that Brady just doesn’t have confidence that these kids can play or deliver in a clutch moment in a game. He may be at a critical juncture this season, though, where he doesn’t have a choice in the matter… and has to start throwing to these kids and building trust with them whether he wants to or not.

Edelman is starting to get double-teamed, and that means opposing defenses aren’t worried about Harry, Meyers, Michel, etc. So it could be time that they decide to go to these kids and find a formula on offense that is effective and can get this offense on track like it has been in years past.

Another factor is both Sanu and Phillip Dorsett may be inactive for this game, so it could be time for Harry and Meyers to step up their respective places Brady might need to start trusting these young kids… whether he’s ready to do so or not.

Home/Patriots News