3 Patriots in desperate need of a good game in Week 5 to avoid being benched

In any other season, the next three games on the docket for the Patriots 2024 season would be considered winnable. But because they have continued to struggle on both sides of the ball over the last three games, there's not much optimism that they can get it done, especially as more injuries continue to occur.

The latest news about David Andrews needing season-ending surgery is just icing on the cake of perhaps the worst luck at the start of a new year, and it couldn't have come at a worse time with all the bad play from the rest of the offensive line. Jacoby Brissett will now be down his best protector right when the offense needs to have their best performance yet.

On top of that, an underwhelming performance from the defense that was supposed to be the better performing part of the team is the last thing the Patriots need this season. It's the unfortunate reality they're facing heading into October, with the first game being against another divisional opponent to make the importance of a win even stronger.

Although playing against the Dolphins right now should be an easier outing for even an underperforming Patriots roster, at least three players need to have their best performances or be at the top of the list of likeliest to be benched.

3 Patriots players who need to thrive in Week 5 vs. Dolphins or get benched

LB Joshua Uche

Since his breakout 2022 season, when he recorded 11.5 sacks and looked like he would be Matthew Judon's partner in crime as the Patriots leading pass rusher, Joshua Uche has virtually become nonexistent within the team's defense. It's partly what led to Bill Belichick shopping him before the trade deadline last year, and what made many believe he would play elsewhere this season.

Instead, he was re-signed to a one-year deal, and while it seemed like a good move at the time, Uche has really struggled to gain his footing through the first four games. He's unfortunately been mostly forgettable, but that changed last week with perhaps his worst performance yet.

Besides missing tackles, which have again become a weakness of the defense, Uche also blew his assignment on the edge, which allowed backup running back Jordan Mason to score a 4-yard touchdown in the third quarter. It was just the latest example of his poor performance that is leading to him becoming more of a liability on the field.

With Anfernee Jennings remaining on the injury report this week and his status unknown for Sunday's matchup, Uche will need to turn things around to continue getting the starting nod over his teammate.

RB Rhamondre Stevenson

According to Jerod Mayo, running back Rhamondre Stevenson might already be riding the bench this week rather than hoping to avoid it. While his Week 1 performance was impressive and looked like the offense could literally and figuratively run through him, his fumbling problem has reared its ugly head this season, as he has now fumbled four times in four games.

Because the offense is already struggling with what they're trying to do, it doesn't help when one of their best players continues to hand opportunities to opponents.

Mayo will have to make a conflicted decision this week when deciding what is best regarding the situation with Stevenson. Antonio Gibson has proven he can be a solid RB2 and bring the boost the offense needs, but it's not ideal to bench your starter.

That might be the reality the Patriots have to face, though. Stevenson's fumbling woes cannot continue, especially if they hope to win more games this year.

QB Jacoby Brissett

Although the piling up of injuries on the offensive line and Mayo's repeated statements saying the contrary, it's possible we will see Drake Maye start sooner rather than later if Jacoby Brissett cannot get things under control as the starting quarterback.

Of course, the offense's struggles do not solely fall on his shoulders, but Brissett's reluctance to throw downfield, his inability to utilize one of their best receivers (DeMario Douglas), and his consistent hits/sacks don't bode well for him remaining the quarterback long-term.

He has a good opportunity to pick things up going into a game against a depleted Dolphins team and could revitalize morale with a good performance that leads to the Patriots' second win.

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