Musket Fire
FanSided

Massive unknowns for the Patriots entering the offseason

By Lou Scataglia

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - AUGUST 26: Offensive tackle Trent Brown #77 of the New England Patriots looks on during the first half of a preseason game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium on August 26, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Unger/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - AUGUST 26: Offensive tackle Trent Brown #77 of the New England Patriots looks on during the first half of a preseason game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium on August 26, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Unger/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

The New England Patriots are entering a very crucial offseason and perhaps have quite a few unknowns that they have to work through.  The team is strapped with a good bit of cap space, and they do have a first round pick.

Bill Belichick is returning for another year as head coach of the Patriots, so his hands will be all over this team again.

His first notable move was hiring Bill O’Brien as the new offensive coordinator, which I find to be a great move.

Even though they made a big move to potentially fix the offense, I still think there are a few unknowns for the team heading into the offseason.

Massive unknowns for the Patriots entering the offseason

What is the plan at quarterback?

Do the New England Patriots sincerely believe that Mac Jones can be a long-term answer?  If they have any doubts, then they need to move off of him as soon as possible.

Was his regression in year two because of Matt Patricia calling the plays, or for another reason?  Did Jones regress because he simply wasn’t playing good enough?

Mac Jones does not strike me as someone who will take this team over the edge, and I think some within the organization know that.

Will they spend big again?

The Patriots do have a ton of cap space available for the second offseason in three years.  Will they be big spenders?  It worked in 2021 after spending big that offseason as they went 10-7 and made the playoffs.

Will they take the same approach?  Or do they believe that getting into more contracts could be some trouble?

What is the plan at tackle?

Isaiah Wynn is a free agent and probably will not return after a rough season.  Trent Brown also had a rough season himself, but he’s still under contract and I think he’s still a quality player.

What do they want the plan to be with this unit?  The interior three are set with Cole Strange, David Andrews, and Mike Onwenu, but what will they do at the left and right tackle positions?

Will they spend big money and sign someone like Mike McGlinchey?  They do have the financial capabilities to do just that if they wanted to.

Home/Patriots News