The New England Patriots had a chance to shock the NFL world against the Seahawks. Unfortunately, they literally threw away the chance with three ill-timed fourth-quarter interceptions thrown by quarterback Drake Maye.
It was a disappointing debut to a season with high expectations.
The offensive line got major attention this offseason, but arguably, it may not have improved the group as much as hoped. Maye was forced to scramble on far too many plays, and while the line improved in pass protection, the lack of a running game was an even bigger issue.
It's something the Patriots need to figure out sooner rather than later, or the offense is going to be in big trouble against some of the best teams inthe league.
The New England Patriots' offensive line needs to run block better
An NFL offense is built on several foundational elements. One is a top quarterback. Another is an offensive line that can both pass-block and create space for the running game. Until the fourth quarter, the pass-blocking was fine, but the running game never really got untracked.
Maye's grade for the game wasn't great given the fourth-quarter mistakes, but prior, especially with A.J. Brown on the field, it was fine against a top team like Seattle. While the offensive line surrendered three sacks in the game, a more poignant issue was the inability of the Patriots to mount a solid run game earlier
Heavy.com's Daniel Morrison did grade left tackle Will Campbell's game, and it was a bright spot.
"Campbell was rated with a 77.6 Pass Block Grade and a 62.6 Run Block Grade by PFF. He was also given a 97.6 Pass Block Efficiency Rating...On his 44 pass blocking opportunities, Campbell allowed one sack and one pressure. He did not allow any hurries or QB hits. He did, however, commit two penalties and had a 71.3 Offensive Grade."
Campbell's pass-blocking has certainly improved now that his injury is healed, as observers expected, especially those who don't put much stock in the "short-arms" theory. But the O-line's inability to open up the running game was a major factor in the loss.
Holes for Rhamondre Stevenson weren't opened, and the loss of the dynamic and explosive TreVeyon Henderson, who can make a big play out of a bad situation, was stark. He was sorely missed.
The New England Patriots' running game was disappointing
The O-line's deficiencies showed up most vividly in the running game. They still struggle to open big holes for the backs. Rhamondre Stevenson had 51 yards on 18 carries, averaging 2.8 yards per carry.
His backup, Corey Kiner, had an even worse 6 carries for 11 yards and a 1.8-yard average. Lan Larison rushed twice for nine yards, averaging 4.5 yards per carry. Those numbers speak volumes.
There is little question that the unfortunate injury to their best receiver, A.J. Brown (a high ankle sprain) contributed mightily to the loss. He was solid while he was on the field. But the running game never emerged and made the plays the team needed.
The Patriots had a good chance to tie the game, at least, if not win outright, at the end of regulation. It was disappointing for them and Patriot Nation that an interception ended that effort.
But if the offensive line continues to improve and opens more running lanes for Stevenson and TreVeyon Henderson when he's available, the results could be far better.
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