Patriots’ 2022 offensive optimism is being weighed down by defense

The New England Patriots’ offense may be improved in 2022 by additions, but any improvement will be weighed down by their defense in 2022. The offense has undergone an offseason mini-makeover — especially on a critical unit, its offensive line. Gone are stalwart guards Shaq Mason and Ted Karras. Big-time NFL talent exited there.

One replacement was first-round pick Cole Strange, a guard from Tennessee-Chattanooga who was taken with the 29th pick in the first round, a pick many thought was far too early. The offense did get better at wide receiver through a savvy trade for DeVante Parker (their best move of the offseason) and they also drafted to add other weapons to now-second-year quarterback Mac Jones’ arsenal.

One weapon was a controversial draft pick. They traded up for Tyquan Thornton, a speedy wide receiver from Baylor, and took him with pick No. 50 in the second round. The consensus was that this was a huge reach for Thornton. Many thought he’d be available much later. He’s also a rail-thin 181 pounds, and critics of the pick wonder if he can sustain the pounding of NFL big hitters.

The draft also added two running backs. One is Pierre Strong, a very fast back from South Dakota State, and Kevin Harris, a bruising back from South Carolina. James White suffered a season-ending hip injury in 2021 and is still not ready. Strong is certainly a hedge on his not being available early or maybe even at all. That was prudent.

Though a few of those selections were considered reaches, many still believe in the Patriots’ offense — or, at least, believe it improved.

On the other side of the ball, though…