Three reality checks for the New England Patriots in 2022
The New England Patriots have a winning record through nine games, however there are some unfortunate truths that the team must acknowledge. No team in the NFL is perfect. Even the best teams have some serious issues that they need to acknowledge in the near future or get figured out for the long-term.
The Patriots had some clear issues heading into the 2022 season, but they appear to be trending upwards. Their defense, led by Matthew Judon, is one of the league’s best, and their offense has shown some flashes of producing at a competent level.
However, I do see some issues that plague the team that are reality checks that the team needs to acknowledge and fix, urgently.
Three reality checks for the Patriots
Offense has no major playmaker
The offense has a nice stable of playmakers. They’re all solid players at the least, but there is no difference maker, and until the Patriots are able to find one, their offense won’t reach levels that they need to be at.
I’d say that Rhamondre Stevenson could be that, but right now, he’s an above average running back and nothing more. Tyquan Thornton appears to have some tools that could allow him to become a major difference maker, but it’s way too early to tell if he is.
Whether it’s a difference making tight end (Perhaps Notre Dame TE Michael Mayer?), a flashy receiver, or a truly elite running back, the Patriots need to find someone on the offense that opposing defenses have to keep track of every single play.
Neither Mac Jones nor Bailey Zappe are the long-term answers
I think Bailey Zappe should be starting in front of Mac Jones, but neither are going to be the long-term answer in New England. Right now, a franchise quarterback is someone who can do most things well, but excel at a few aspects of the game.
Insane arm talent, pinpoint accuracy, and being a true dual-threat are some of the common ones. Unfortunately, neither Jones or Zappe really excel at much. I think Mac Jones’ ceiling is someone around Derek Carr or Kirk Cousins, and neither quarterback has won much, and in their cases, I think they need to be surrounded by an extremely talented roster to do damage.
The Patriots would be wise to try and look for a significant quarterback upgrade this offseason, because Mac Jones does not instill fear in the eyes of defenses.
Bill Belichick likely isn’t coaching much longer
While this might be the most opinionated “reality check” in this article, I think it’s very possible that Belichick and the team no longer continue with him as the head coach. He’s the de facto General Manager and has done well in that regard.
His head coaching career with the Patriots speaks for itself, but I think the cracks are beginning to show. The quarterback situation doesn’t look any more solved than when Brady left. He also had to be extremely active in free agency last offseason due to his draft misses, and his shenanigans with the offensive coaching staff this offseason aren’t working.
I think Belichick is slowly becoming more useful in some sort of front office advisory role. I think bringing in a more modern NFL head coach is what the Patriots need.