Patriots Issues Heading Towards November.

There are a couple of things going around Patriots Nation. From Mac Jones to Bill Belichick, the Patriots have their issues and people are teeing off on them. For the most part people are just wrong.

Listening to the Patriots Talk Podcast interview with the former GM, unless the Patriots believe they're going to be drafting first or second, they have to draft help for Mac. The team cannot afford to trade up Into the number two spot, not even from the number 3. 

I came Into the 2023 season saying Mac Jones was statistically, the same quarterback he was after the 2021 season. That was based on projected stats for the games he missed and the one he was benched for.

The Patriots need to see if they can figure out how to use Thorton this season and if he can get seperation and draw coverage down field.

Will Rogers looks like the best passer in the 2024 NFL Draft to me. The concern is that he is an Air Raid Quarterback, which Alex Barth brought up in the Patriots Beat Podcast. There have been several Quarterbacks to play at a decent level in the NFL, that came from an Air Raid system. 

Jared Golf took the Rams to the Superbowl. Geno Smith is the starting quarterback for the Seahawks. Nick Foles won a Superbowl. Jimmy Garoppolo lead the 49ers to the superbowl. Patrick Mahomes is a multiple time superbowl champion. The Air Raid has a stigmatizism around it but there have been a fair share of quarterbacks to to play in the NFL from those systems. Evan Lazar in a podcast a little further down praises the Air Raid offense.

I don't think the Patriots need to draft Mac Jones' replacement but they do need to get a quality backup quarterback and Rogers could be a guy that could develop into a starter.

So there's talk about the Patriots moving on from Belichick. Dumbest shit ever. Belichick as the head coach is not the issue. The problem is Belichick the general manager. Now if Bill doesn't want to give up general manager duties, them there's an issue with Belichick but until them, any talk about firing Belichick as the head coach  ends to stop. 

The Patriots need a new offensive coaching staff. Listening to Alex Barth and Evan Lazar, the Patriots not only cannot score in the first half this season but they are not able to run the offensive game plan. And they're committing mental errors. Troy Brown has been a coach that I have said needs to go for a few seasons now. He cannot coach seperation. The special teams coaches need to go also, Lazar talked about how bad they are.

Alex Barth mentioned Josh McDaniels to replace Bill O'Brien as the offensive coordinator. That maybe true but the Raiders are 3-3 and would have to fall apart. The Patriots offense seems to be worse than the 2022 Matt Patricia coached offense. Whether that's due to the roster Bill B. built, the staff Belichick built, or O'Brien's skill level, I don't know.

I wrote a blog yesterday talking about the Patriots problems. They only need two players on defense. They can address that via the draft or free agency. The Patriots need at least 7 offensive players to fix the current roster (Backup quarterback, receiving back, fullback, two different style receivers and two tackles). And that's before the current roster becomes free agent at the end of the season. 

Belichick can evaluate defensive talent as a GM but he needs to lose say over the offensive side of the ball for now. Bill needs a co-gm, whether that's Matt Groh or someone else. Bill Belichick only has a few years left in the tank. Get a co-gm and start prepping for Bill's eventual retirement.

The Patriots Have Basically The Same Needs They Entered The 2023 Offseason With.

Coming into the 2023 offseason, the Patriots needed a few things. Outside corner, Free safety, Nose tackle, Fullback, Receiving back, Slot receiver, Speed X receiver, Backup tight end, Tackle, and both legs. The team acquired Damario Douglas, Mike Gesicki, Gonzalez, and both legs. 

The Patriots signed and drafted a few more players but nobody's worked out. If the team kept this roster to start the 2024 season, it would still need several of those positions plus a backup or developmental starting quarterback.

Defensively, if the Patriots can keep the unit intact, all they need is a run stopping nose guard / tackle and a free safety. It's the easiest unit to fix. And probably the one the staff is most qualified to fix.

On offense, I still have faith in Mac Jones but the quarterback room needs someone that can backup Mac and possibly start. A mid round guy. I like three quarterbacks, Will Rogers from Mississippi State, Shedeur Sanders from Colorado, and Grayson McCall from Coastal Carolina. 

The Patriots need a pass catching slot back. They refused to bring in Calvin Turner Jr from Hawaii. They need a fullback or H-Back but the Patriots don't seem to know how to use the H-Back as a fullback, not since Devlin and Johnson left.

Tyquan Thorton is a deep slot and I will die on that hill. They drafted Boutte and Douglas but they don't have a field stretching speedster at the X and Bourne is an inconsistent Z receiver. Acquiring a guy that can be a speedster at both the X and Z is a necessity. 

The Patriots also need offensive tackles. They drafted a bunch of Linemen in the 2023 draft but they really don't have a quality starting tackle. Trent Brown is not playing good enough in my opinion. 

The Patriots have some pieces they could move before the trade deadline but I would trade for pieces they need. They might not be able to make the playoffs in 2023 but they can get the ship sailing back in the right position.

Trade Uche and Mills for a positions of need. Offensively, Trade Elliot. Bourne and Henry are basically the only viable weapons the Patriots have on offense besides Douglas. And they need that chemistry. Stevenson isn't playing well enough that anybody outside of Vegas would want him. 

The Patriots could fix part of their problems in season. It's all depends on if they want to. I don't know what the mindset is inside one Patriots Place. And I won't pretend to. So all we can do is wait and see.

Twenty Quarterback Prospects To Keep On Your Current Patriots Big Board.

Whether one thinks the Patriots need to replace Mac Jones in 2024 or not, the Patriots need to add at least a backup quarterback to the room. Here are 20 quarterbacks the Patriots should be keeping an eye on in the 2023 NCAA season. With half a season to go, other names may emerge but these guys should currently be at the top of the list.

Will Rogers, Mississippi State, Sr

"Will Rogers is an accurate pocket-passer that thrives on timing. He delivers very catchable passes in the short-to-intermediate regions of the field. Rogers delivers the ball to his receiver with a quick release. There is some mobility to his game—he can extend plays with his legs. Similar to a point guard in basketball, Rogers runs the Mississippi State offense to the play-caller’s design. With impressive ball placement, he leads his receivers and provides opportunities to run after the catch. Extremely calm and poised in the pocket, he is rarely rattled. His game reminds me of New England Patriots QB Mac Jones." - Damien Parson

2023 midway stats: completed 61.4% of 171 passes for 1,275 yards with 10 touchdowns and 4 interceptions. -1.7 yard average on 23 carries. 

Shedeur Sanders, Colorado, Jr

"Sanders sees the game like you would expect from the son of one of the game’s all-time greats. His passing ability is accentuated by sound decision-making, effective accuracy, and a confidence in the pocket. And yet Sanders, after making the jump from Jackson State to Colorado in 2023, feels like he’s still just scratching the surface of what he’s capable of." - Kyle Crabbs

2023 midway stats: completed 72.3% of 303 passes for 2,420 yards with 21 touchdowns and 3 interceptions. -0.3 yard average on 73 carries with 3 touchdowns. 

Grayson McCall, Coastal Carolina, Sr

"Grayson McCall plays and leads with a gritty and tough mentality. He showcases enough zip in the short passing game. His frame and dual-threat ability can expand the offensive playbook. He’s capable of working off the read option, RPO, and power run game. Also, his mobility affords the opportunity to create second-reaction opportunities and off-script plays." - Damien Parson 

2023 midway stats: completed 64.8% of 196 passes for 1,675 yards with 8 touchdowns and 6 interceptions. 0.6 yard average on 45 carries with 1 touchdown.

Rogers and Sanders are currently expected to be day two selections, providing Sanders doesn't return to school. McCall is expected to be a day three pick. All three guys fit the Patriots mold as a passer. While they may not all have elite athleticism that fans look for. Honestly, I'll never get why fans and scouts would rather have JaMarcus Russell clones over players closer to someone like Chad Pennington but that's just me.

Yes, I am aware that I have the concensus number one pick outside of my top three. While he is a good quarterback, he needs to improve as a passer. I would welcome him into New England but he's not my top pick.

The other 17 quarterbacks to watch: 

Brady Cook, Missouri

Kurtis Rourke, Ohio

Jayden Daniels, LSU

Bo Nix, Oregon

Cameron Ward, Was St.

Cam Rising, Utah

Michael Penix Jr, Was

Michael Pratt, Tulane

Caleb Williams, USC

Drake Maye, NC

Spencer Rattler, South Carolina

J.J. McCarthy, Michigan

K.J. Jefferson, Arkansas

Kenyon Slovis. BYU

Jason Daniels, Kansas

Dillion Gabriel, Oklahoma

Jaxon Dart, Ole Miss

The Patriots Have Talent On Offense

Belichick, O'Brien and Mac Jones, I don't know who to blame but this thing that the team doesn't have any talent is fraudulent. They have talent, it's just not the Dolphins or Chief's roster build.

The Patriots have a good duo for first and second down in Stevenson and Elliot. The line could be better but Stevenson needs a lead blocker and Pharaoh Brown can be that. Elliot, doesn't need the lead blocker as much.

When Stevenson is on the field, Brown, Gesicki, Henry and Douglas should be on the field with him. And the team should be running play action when Stevenson is on the field. When Elliot is on the field, pull Brown and mix up using the other receivers.

One problem is, Montgomery is not James White and he's not Brandon's Boldon. The Patriots do not have a reliable slot-back for third down and Tyquan Thorton hasn't shown us that he can draw coverage down field the way Nelson Aguilar did in 2021. When the team had an experienced offensive coordinator. 

The Patriots should have four starting Linemen but they're not playing like it. The offensive line is last in the league in pass blocking. They should never of let Wynn go but they did and they don't have an answer for it, four weeks in. 

The core of this offense, the talent is once again, Elliot, Stevenson, Henry, Douglas and Gesicki. Those are the guys around Mac Jones. It's about putting the right package on the field around the quarterback and calling the right plays. 

And for Mac, he needs to trust his line and play smarter. Mac Jones's arm is as strong as Chad Pennington's arm. He's just been making uncharacteristic decisions.

Honestly, the problem at The moment is the trifecta of Belichick, O'Brien and Mac Jones. Not one of them individually but them collectively.

Three Areas That Hurt The Patriots

The Patriots have plenty of areas for improvement going into week two. They lost 25 to 20 because they gifted points to the eagles on multiple occasions.  While there were several players that had an impact and could get called out, here's ny three areas where I had issue.

Kendrick Bourne only caught 54% of his 11 targets. Although he caught 2 touchdowns, their were 5 passes that he didn't bring in. One he dropped and one he turned into an interception by not catching after getting his hands on it. Bourne's first half for most of it was not great. In fact, his day was inconsistent.

The offensive line was not up to par. They let their quarterback get pressured 27 times. They gave up 2 sacks, 4 quarterback hits and caused Mac Jones to scramble twice. The line only allowed Stevenson to rush for a 1.9 yard average on 12 carries.

And the the defensive line allowed 3.8 yards per carry. Almost every time the Eagles rushed up the middle it was a 3+ yard gain. The Patriots are still an open door in the middle of the line. They need a nose tackle or nose guard to clog the middle on the first two downs.

I don't know what the Patriots can do besides coach but they're gonna need improvement going forward or there's going to be a lot more close games like this.

Patriots Sign Jalen Reagor To The Practice Squad.

The Patriots signed Jalen Reagor to the practice squad. He was drafted in the first round by the Eagles in 2020. And has played for the Eagles and Vikings.

Reagor has only appeared in 45 games, being targeted 124 times, catching 72 of them for 799 yards and 4 scores. He's got 18 carries under his belt. He's also had a combined 73 returns over his career. Taking one punt to the house.

I went looking for to see what I could find out of college. Many said he could do alot but he was listed often as a Z or deep slot. His main problems where drops, route running, physicality, and consistency. Speed and versatility were the main things people talked about with him as his pros. Not much has changed.

His NFL comparisons were: Curtis Samuel, Stefon Diggs, Corey Coleman, Mecole Hardman, Randell Cobb, Percey Harvin, James Washington, D.J. Moore, and Tyreek Hill. I came across Samuel, Hardman, and Cobb a few times as comparisons. 

I saw him listed as an elite number two or low tier number one. He's the typical type of Patriots, with that being said. He brings skills that Tyquan Thorton was supposed to bring but if the Patriots can get consistency out of him, he also brings the skills that Kendrick Bourne has. And Bourne's in a contract year. Something to monitor for now.

Strong's Out, Wheatley's In, Patriots Make Trade.

In 2022 during the fourth round of the NFL draft, the Patriots selected Pierre Strong. Strong was expected to be a possible replacement for James White and possibly Damien Harris. Strong did see much time during his rookie year.

In 2022, Strong touched the ball as both a ball carrier and receiver, a total of 17 times for 142 yards and a touchdown. Unfortunately, Strong did not emerge as the back he was expected to be during the 2023 preseason and the Patriots traded him away for tackle Tyrone Wheatley.

Wheatley, who was buried on Cleveland's depth chart, is 6'6" 320 pounds. Wheatley went undrafted out of Stony Brook. Although he's viewed as a tackle, Stony Brook listed him as a tight end. It'm thinking subpar Mike Williams vibes.

According to The Football Database Wheatley played in 37 college games, starting 14 before entering the 2020 NFL draft. Wheatley turned 26 in February.

According to Oliver Thomas over at Forbes, "His 95.6 run-blocking grade qualified for second among tackles around the league in the preseason."

While Many list Wheatley as a developmental project, there's not much about his skill set. However, his dad played in the NFL and pretty much everyone has said that About the 26 year old. I guess that's all we need to know. 

Being acquired so late in the process, it's a pretty safe assumption that Wheatley makes the 53 man roster. I would also assume that the Patriots will be keeping Kevin Harris on the 53. In my roster projection, I have J.J. Taylor getting added once they place someone on injured reserve.

Patriots 53 Man Roster Projection

The Patriots 53 man roster cutdown is coming. August 29th the team must get down to a season regulation size roster. There's always the chance the Patriots could sign someone off of the waivers. But since I don't know who's getting cut from the other teams. I cannot put anyone not currently on the roster, on the initial 53 man roster. So here it is, my initial roster projection for 2023.

Quarterbacks 3

M. Jones

B. Zappe

M. Cunningham (released)

The Patriots will keep their slash. Cunningham has potential to be used like Kordell Stewart and Taysom Hill. Some think he will clear waivers, I don't think he will. However keeping him could make the Patriots thin at elsewhere. Do not expect him to jump Zappe this season.

Running Backs 3*

R. Stevenson

E. Elliot

P. Strong (traded for Tyrone Wheatley)

J. Taylor* > T. Montgomery (both released, let's see if I'm right about taylor)

I don't think the Patriots are going to risk cutting Strong yet. And I think they will want to develop him for one more season, while he sits behind Elliot. Kevin Harris needs the line to make holes and i don't think he's lived up to the powerback role he was drafted for. I have Taylor beating out Montgomery, providing he has a good game versus Tennessee and getting called up, once Bolden is placed on the injury reserve.

I was hoping Calvin Turner Jr would be on the roster but the Patriots haven't touched him. He's an upgrade over Montgomery.

Receivers 6

D. Parker

J. Smith-Schuster

K. Bourne

T. Thorton

D. Douglas

K. Boutte

I have the Patriots keeping 6 receivers. I think they need to play Thorton this season and I don't think the rookies will clear the waiver wire. While I think Bourne is on the trade block, he's with the team until they move him. Cunningham gives the team their seventh receiver.

Tight Ends 2

H. Henry

M. Gesicki

I don't think the other tight ends are at risk of being plucked. I expect that one of the practice squad tight ends may be activated for week one. Especially depending on how serious Henry's anf Gesicki's injuries are. I like Sokol and think he will end up on the roster at some point.

Offensive Linemen 10

T. Brown

C. Strange

D. Andrews

R. Reiff

M. Onwenu

C. McDermott (Put on Injured reserve, Patriots replaced by Vederian Love)

B. Murray (released, replaced by Wheatley)

J. Andrews

S. Sow

A. Mafi

(Patriots traded for Vederian Love)

I think Strange may go straight to the injured reserve to start the season. Which would allow the Patriots to call up someone from the practice squad, more than likely a tight end. The line is a liability, maybe Onwenu can fix it but I think the Patriots are in trouble. I think Vanterpool makes the practice squad, he got brought in too late in the process to compete for a roster spot.

Defensive Linemen 7

L. Guy

D. Ekuale

K. White

D. Wise

C. Barmore

D. Godchaux

C. Davis (released)

I have Davis making the roster because I think the Patriots are too light on the line. I thought Tavai would be better but he really hasn't shown much. I have a feeling Bill Murray will be doing double duty this season. The Patriots should've brought back Danny Shelton on a one year deal when they had the chance.

Linebackers 6

M. Mapu

M. Judon

Ja. Tavai

J. Uche

J. Bentley

A. Jennings 

The Patriots will use linebackers depending on the situation. Mapu I think will be a three down player. The others are going to depend on scheme. My question is who makes it to the practice squad of the guys cut.

Defensive Backs 12*

C. Gonzalez

M. Jones

Ja. Jones

Jo. Jones

K. Dugger

J. Peppers

A. Phillips

J. Mills

M. Bryant

B. Schooler

C. Davis

I. Bolden* IR

Jack Jones season is still pending. Bryant I think is going to float between safety and the nickel back. I think Mills is the starting free safety. Bolden I expect to make the 53, just to be placed on the injured reserve. He showed enough that I think he will get plucked if they release him and I think they will need him this season. I think speed could be elevated from the practice squad if Jack gets suspended or worse, locked up.

Special Teams 4

M. Slater

C. Ryland

J. Cardona

B. Baringer

Whether they trade or cut him, I don't think Folk is on the week one roster unless Ryland implodes between now and the time for the cutdown to 53. If he ends up on the roster by some chance, it will be at the expense of the offensive line. I wish Slater got used more on offense to help justify keeping him. At least Steve Tasker was a capable receiver. Slater is an alltime gunner but still.

If the Patriots make any claims from waivers during the cutdowns, it's got to be an offensive tackle and a nose tackle. Especially since they were unable to claim the nose tackle from Carolina due to a failed physical.

The Patriots Are Preparing The Future NFL Defense Today.

Whether it's a 3-2-6 dime or  a 5-0-6 dime, the future of the NFL is a Base dime defense. And the Patriots finally have allowed me to highlight what type of players are the prototypes for this defense.

The keystone or capstone to the foundation of this defense is a nose guard, a nose tackle. The last two the Patriots had of any value were Danny Shelton and 'Big' Vince Wilfork. Guys who could plug the middle on first and second downs and push the pocket back into the quarterback on third and passing downs. Lawrence Guy is not the guy the Patriots need and should stop forcing him into the position.

Then on the line, the Patriots need two defensive tackle / end hybrids. Most people remember Richard Seymour but if you don't, that's okay, the Patriots have Christian Barmore. He's strong enough to play defensive tackle and require double coverage but quick and fast enough to play defensive end and to hold his own.

While I don't like calling the position the edge, that's the only true name for this hybrid position. Guys like Willie McGinest, Rob Ninkovich have played the role but now Keion White. White was listed as being too small for an end and too big for an outside linebacker. In his small sample size, he has shown the ability to play end or outside linebacker.

Although I think safety can now play the role, if the Patriots need or want a true linebacker, Ja'Whaun Bentley is the mold. He has the speed, size and power needed to fill the middle linebacker role. Can be used to blitz or cover and can get all over the field.

For slot corner both Jonathan Jones and Marcus Jones have the speed and quickness needed for the position. They can play outside or possibly at free safety but their skills in the slot make them Ideal. They can spy the quarterback and cover the slot or the running back.

For the number two outside corner, J.C. Jackson and Jack Jones have the ideal skills to be a ballhawk. They will be bottom end number ones but as a number two, their skills should make them almost elite or shutdown.

The number one outside corner, the Patriots have had a slew at the position. Stephen Gilmore and Christian Gonzalez are the mold for what you want. Intelligent, quick and fast. Capable of going one on one in man coverage against anyone.

The strong safety has to be a middle linebacker that can cover. Dugger and Mapu are the prototypes for the modern era. Guys that should be able to to blitz, tackle a running back or cover a tight end. Having two of these guys on the field at once allows the Patriots to rotate and disguise who is the safety and who is playing linebacker.

And lastly, free safety. Devon McCourty and Jalen Mills and possibly Miles Bryant are what you're looking for. Guys with traits to be an average number two corner but are better suited as a free safety due to their intelligence. 

Looking for and drafting or signing guys who are physical clones of the players listed who show the same type of skills, is the future of the NFL. Especially with the way the game is evolving. The Patriots are trying to run a big nickel but it's the dime they should be moving towards. With these type of players the Patriots could run a 3-0-8, a 3-1-7, a 3-2-6, 5-0-6 and in an situation setting, a 5-1-5 and be successful. It's all about the type of players and football intelligence.

The Patriots Looked Mediocre Hosting The Texans

The Patriots first preseason game is in the books. The Patriots fall 20 - 9 in a game that wasn't as close as the score suggests. 

The Patriots only had 78 rushing yards and averaged under 5 yards a completion. The only reason the Patriots even had so many rushing yards, was because the Texans surrendered them.

The Texans had time to pass and were more aggressive, picking up 11 first downs via the air, compared to the Patriots 2. The Texans also had the ball 5 minutes longer than the Pats. 

 The secondary was okay but the rest of the team was crap. The biggest issue to me was a lack of play in the trenches. The offensive line was horrible and the defensive line was slow and gave up to many runs they should've stuffed.

Zappe went 12 of 14 with another of check Downs. Cunningham went 3 of 4 but the Texans played him more conservatively.

The running backs did better for the Patriots in the second half but part of that was the defense started backing off.

As for the pass catchers, seperation still looks like it's gonna be an issue but the team is going to need to go quick game more if they cannot get better protection up front. 

I thought Barranger the Punter's placement could've been better. 

What I saw from the Patriots was the the players that played seemed slight below to a whole depth chart level below the Texans personnel. The Patriots looked like a mediocre team. The team will have to come out strong when Mac takes the field.