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Patriots receivers will be a big X-Factor in the 2022 season

By Lou Scataglia

FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS - DECEMBER 26: Kendrick Bourne #84 of the New England Patriots reacts on the field before the game against the Buffalo Bills at Gillette Stadium on December 26, 2021 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Malhotra/Getty Images)
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS - DECEMBER 26: Kendrick Bourne #84 of the New England Patriots reacts on the field before the game against the Buffalo Bills at Gillette Stadium on December 26, 2021 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Malhotra/Getty Images) /
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The New England Patriots‘ wide receivers might be under a ton of pressure to perform at a high level for the 2022 season.  The success of the Patriots this season may just come down to how well the receivers can play.

I’ve been mostly complimentary of this unit during the offense.  I like the bodies that they have here, even though they don’t have a true difference maker.  One thing that they will do is force opposing defenses to spread themselves thin in order to cover them all.

This also holds true for the other weapons that New England has, but I picked the receivers because they are the ones who primarily catch passes from the quarterback, and we just saw how big of a difference they can make.

Ja’Marr Chase all but helped the Bengals win the Super Bowl in 2021.  He was insanely effective as a rookie and helped to elevate Joe Burrow.  Obviously, the Patriots do not have a Ja’Marr Chase on the roster, but they do have some players who can make life easier for Mac Jones.

I’ve talked about their defense a ton.  It’ll likely be a top unit again in 2022, and I don’t envision them being a liability at all.  They are far from the issue, even without JC Jackson.  I don’t think the Patriots running backs will cause many troubles.  Damien Harris and Rhamondre Stevenson form a very nice duo that should excel toting the rock.

I like Hunter Henry to build on his 2021 season and for Jonnu Smith to be more effective in the passing game, but I keep coming back to the receivers as being the biggest X-factor.  I think the offense can reach new heights if DeVante Parker could go back to his 2019 form an eclipse 1,000 receiving yards.

I also think Jakobi Meyers is someone who can hit the 1k mark as well, but one of the issues I have with this unit is their floor.  I think this group has a low floor, and if they can’t at least get close to their ceiling, I think the entire offense is going to suffer more than it already has this offseason.

It is beyond imperative for the wide receivers to carry a bulk of the load on offense.  The Patriots are likely to run the ball more than they pass, but there’s both a ton of talent in this room, and the potential for no talent at all if they can’t get going.

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