The New England Patriots are sitting at a shaky 1-2 after three weeks, fresh off a blowout loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars. It is a rough start, and while rookie Drake Maye has been slinging the ball away with seven turnovers, including six interceptions, fans are looking past the quarterback to an even deeper problem on offense. Sure, Maye’s decision-making is a big issue, but the team ranks last in the league in points per drive, and the problems are spreading far and wide across the entire offense.
The Trenches Are Falling Apart
You might think Maye’s decision-making is the only issue, but a recent SB Nation Reacts survey showed 29% of participants are calling the offensive line the *next* biggest problem on offense. That is a huge chunk of the fanbase, and it makes total sense when you look at how things are playing out. Maye is facing pressure at the third highest rate in the league through three games, and you just cannot expect any quarterback, let alone a rookie, to succeed under that kind of constant heat.
A lot of the trouble is coming from the right side of the line. They are already down to their third string right guard because of injuries, and if that was not enough, Morgan Moses is also battling a foot injury. When your O-line is in shambles like that, it does not just hurt the passing game, it absolutely crushes the run game too. Fans in the comments are echoing that the O-line just is not creating holes, and when you cannot do that, your entire offense stalls out.
A Pile-Up Of Problems Beyond The Line
But wait, there is more. The O-line is just one piece of this puzzle, or maybe a symptom of a larger sickness. The survey also revealed 22% of voters are worried about the A.J. Brown injury and the overall wide receiver play. Another 22% flagged the run game as the biggest offensive problem, and honestly, can you blame them? The Patriots are last in the league in rushing success rate. Running back Henderson, excluding one 40-yard touchdown run, is averaging a measly 2.8 yards per carry. One fan pointed out he does not read blocking well and gets tackled on first contact way too much. Even that long run was apparently more about the scheme, with Moses pulling to open a three-yard gap.
To top it all off, offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels drew 19% of the vote from fans, with some suggesting this team does not appear well coached all the way around. When pretty much everybody is underperforming, with few exceptions, you know it is a tough scene. Whether it is injuries, play calling, or simply not being a well coached team, it is clear the Patriots have their work cut out for them to turn this season around.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Pats Pulpit.
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