It’s only Week 2, but the New England Patriots are reportedly back at square one, and it’s all thanks to that A.J. Brown-sized hole in their offense after losing to our Seahawks at Lumen Field. That Week 1 loss on September 9th wasn’t just a tough start for the Pats, it exposed some deep cracks that analysts are already screaming about. Karen Guregian didn’t hold back, saying the loss of Brown puts the offense right back to square one because “game-changing ‘X’ receivers of his caliber just don’t grow on trees.” Ouch.
The Offense Is a Disaster Without Brown
This offense is in rough shape. Mike Vrabel himself noted they need to find a ground game fast, and Alex Barth relayed that Vrabel also said they’ll “have to move guys around” at receiver without A.J. Brown. That’s not exactly a vote of confidence. Ethan Hurwitz laid out three urgent fixes if the Patriots want to beat the Steelers: regain Drake Maye’s confidence, open up more running lanes, and stop leaving top wide receivers wide open. Maye’s struggles were definitely highlighted in Mark Morse’s detailed look at the Seattle loss. If Maye can’t get it together, this season could go south quickly. DeMario Douglas and Kyle Williams are being eyed as receivers who need to step up, with Kevin Stephan even calling Williams the team’s biggest X-factor after an up-and-down rookie season. Yeah, X-factor. They need a lot more than that right now.
Defense Needs Turnovers, But At Least Daquan Jones Is Here
While the offense is trying to find its footing, the defense has its own problems. Brian Ferzoco is pointing out that after investing in their secondary, the Patriots absolutely need turnovers. And Michael Hurley, citing Tom E. Curran, said the Patriots desperately need pass-catchers on both sides of the ball, which, for defense, means ball hawks. They did make a small roster move, re-signing S Elliott Davison and releasing TE Shane Zylstra. At least there’s a veteran bright spot on the defensive line with Daquan Jones, who joined the team feeling “grateful.” Kevin Stephan said Jones is the perfect Patriots signing: a 34-year-old defensive tackle who spent three seasons under Vrabel in Tennessee and brings that experience to a thin interior line. And Will Campbell supposedly erased his Super Bowl nightmare, earning the NFL’s second-best grade, so there’s that.
The Patriots have their home opener this Sunday at 1:00 PM against the Steelers. You gotta wonder how much of that Week 1 loss to our Seahawks is still lingering in their locker room. Ben Solak from ESPN isn’t even thinking about the Pats right now for Week 2, which tells you everything you need to know about the national perception. If they can’t address these core issues, especially getting Maye right and finding some offensive consistency, it’s going to be a very long season in Foxboro.
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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