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.
The Patriots are missing Trent Brown today.
— NESN (@NESN) September 19, 2021
New England benched starting right tackle Yasir Durant after he allowed three first-half sacks vs. the Jets. https://t.co/qSQsjAJTh6
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.
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