Musket Fire
FanSided

New England Patriots 4 Downs Preview: Week 13 @ Houston Texans

By Michael Perry

FOXBORO, MA - SEPTEMBER 22: Head coach Bill Belichick of the New England Patriots (L) shakes hands with head coach Bill O'Brien of the Houston Texans after the New England Patriots defeated the Houston Texans 27-0 at Gillette Stadium on September 22, 2016 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)
FOXBORO, MA - SEPTEMBER 22: Head coach Bill Belichick of the New England Patriots (L) shakes hands with head coach Bill O'Brien of the Houston Texans after the New England Patriots defeated the Houston Texans 27-0 at Gillette Stadium on September 22, 2016 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 5
Next
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – NOVEMBER 24: Tom Brady #12 and N’Keal Harry #15 of the New England Patriots celebrate after scoring a touchdown during the first quarter against the Dallas Cowboys in the game at Gillette Stadium on November 24, 2019 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Kathryn Riley/Getty Images)
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – NOVEMBER 24: Tom Brady #12 and N’Keal Harry #15 of the New England Patriots celebrate after scoring a touchdown during the first quarter against the Dallas Cowboys in the game at Gillette Stadium on November 24, 2019 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Kathryn Riley/Getty Images) /

2nd Down: Find the offensive identity

New England usually knows what type of offense they will have around this time of the season, but this year is different. In 2018, they found out that they would be more successful if they had a power running game and ended up riding that formula all the way to winning the Super Bowl. In years past, they have used Tom Brady’s arm to win important games and the Super Bowl with a stable line and healthy weapons him.

In 2019, the offense has tried to use the running game like they did last year without much success, as Sony Michel and others have struggled running the ball. Brady hasn’t been able to get on track with other receivers that aren’t named Julian Edelman, despite considerable efforts from Mohammed Sanu and Phillip Dorsett at times. The New England Patriots are also missing contributions from the tight end position this year and in past seasons that usually belonged to Rob Gronkowski.

However, things are looking up for the struggling offense, as the offensive line seems to be stabilized for the time being. This will definitely help the running game for Michel, James White, and Rex Burkhead. Giving Tom Brady an extra second or two to find an open receiver will also help this offense as the playoffs approach. And with a full arsenal of weapons possibly suiting up for the New England offense (more on that later, too) the offense could be on track to figure things out and become more dangerous for opposing defenses in the coming weeks.

Home/Patriots News