Patriots: 3 positions Pats still must improve after win vs Jets

1. Right Tackle

We didn’t feel great about the Patriots’ right tackle situation when Trent Brown was ruled out with a calf injury. However, we’d by lying if we said we predicted that it’d be an utter catastrophe against the Jets’ depleted defensive line.

Yasir Durant, whom the Patriots acquired from the Chiefs in exchange for a 2022 seventh-round pick right before the roster deadline, got the start in place of Brown and he proved to be a turnstile at right tackle.

To say Durant blew his opportunity would be an understatement, as he allowed three sacks before halftime and was benched for versatile backup Justin Herron, who he ironically replaced in Week 1.

Patriots’ Yasir Durant cannot start at RT if Trent Brown is injured.

Though Belichick refrained from eviscerating Durant in his postgame pressure, it goes without saying the second-year pro is in the doghouse. That’s a tough spot for any young player, but it’s where Durant deserves to be.

It’s worth noting that Herron didn’t cover himself in glory, either, but he was markedly better than Durant. If Brown is unable to go in Week 3, expect Herron to get the start. If that doesn’t go well, expect Belichick to bring in reinforcements, because the Patriots’ offense hasn’t looked the same since Brown went down in Week 1.

Patriots: Mac Jones-Zach Wilson comparison isn’t even a discussion

New England Patriots rookie quarterback Mac Jones made New York Jets rookie Zach Wilson look like a bust in their first matchup on Sunday.