The New England Patriots are looking to put a blowout loss behind them as they get ready for a big divisional battle against Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills.
So, let’s get into this week’s #PostPulpit Mailbag.
I know it is early but I thought we would see improvements in the run game with the addition of Gilliam. An improved run game would certainly be a big plus while Maye figures things out. Why do you think we haven’t seen the positive impact yet of having a proven FB? The OL injuries? – sqpondme
Why no outside runs utilizing Henderson’s speed? – Davel
The Patriots’ run game has been poor for the second straight season, currently ranking last in the league in success rate and 24th in Rush EPA.
While the running backs and offensive line are not free of blame, the scheme has not helped by stressing defenses pre-snap with motion or other creativity. Instead, the Patriots have largely leaned on duo this season, hoping to move defenders off the line of scrimmage, but have repeatedly run into bodies as defensive fronts use line games up front to create disruption.
McDaniels, however, believes there is still value in staying the course early in the season.
“I think last year we went through a very similar stage where sticking with certain things was helpful for us,” Josh McDaniels said Thursday. “I’ve talked about this a lot in a running game, in training camp, you have X amount of practices in pads. If you do or don’t play in the preseason games, that is what it is, right? So, you have opportunities to work together in a physical environment. And I think sometimes, what I’ve seen in the last so many years is September and October end up being an extension of that for the run game especially, because double teams and pads on a 330 lb. human being, when you don’t do it over and over and over again daily sometimes it takes a few more repetitions to get good at it.
“And so, whether it’s outside zones or toss cracks or double seam schemes or draws, whatever the scheme is, I think fitting runs and doing it with the proper technique and fundamentals takes some time in pads.”
It’s not realistic for the Patriots to completely scrap their run-game scheme, meaning more time on task will need to produce better results. But there are ways New England could add more variety, including getting TreVeyon Henderson outside more often. Henderson has seen 37% of his carries outside the tackles this season, compared to 49% last season, albeit in a small sample size. There should be opportunities for him and Rhamondre Stevenson to hit the edges this week against the Bills defense.
When it comes to Gilliam, the fullback is clearly hobbled which is affecting his playing time and impact. His workload was managed the entire offseason before he finally was listed on the injury report this week with a knee injury.
What is going on with Hunter Henry and why has he disappeared? I said I think Eli Raridon could be TE #1 by season’s end. That might be sooner than even I thought.
When should we expect Eli Raridon to return fully healthy? – For Pats Sake
The lack of a true blocking tight end has also worked against them in the run game. As for Henry, the 31-year old certainly has appeared to lose a step early on, while teams are also sitting on his underneath routes in quick game concepts to take his production away. Raridon was back to being a limited participant this week so should be ready to go Sunday. The Patriots need him back on the field for his explosiveness in the passing game and blocking ability.
What is the formula to restore Maye confidence – 7i165
Correcting Maye’s confidence, decisiveness and decision-making are the biggest things that need to improve for him to get back on track. As for how to do that, I’m not in Maye’s mind or a psychologist. That’s something for the coaching staff to figure out, which raises an interesting question: Should they rein him in and try to prevent him from beating himself? That brings risk in itself, as Maye could lose the aggressiveness that typically makes him so dangerous.
If take away Maye’s turnovers, how would you rate him this year as a Quarterback? – sumeetw
Analytically, Maye has been around league average when removing the six interceptions and one fumble. I’d say that passes the eye test as there are still encouraging signs on film such as him generating explosives against Pittsburgh, stepping up through the pocket in Jacksonville or working a scramble drill to Kyle Williams in the fourth quarter.
He is also moving the football as the Patriots are 12th in the league in yards per drive. The turnovers and penalties are just not allowing them to finish, as they rank last in points per drive (0.97).
Mike Onwenu, our starting Right Guard, goes onto to IR. A week later, Greg Van Roten, the top backup, joins him on IR. Walter Rouse replaced GVR, and he struggled in this new position for him. Is Rouse the answer going forward? Or would Ben Brown be a better option? – PatsFanFromNH
I would go with Ben Brown. He’s proven to be their best interior backup and right guard is his natural position dating back to college. Whether that is a season-long fix or not is TBD, and I also wouldn’t rule out newly signed Matt Pryor factoring into the mix in some fashion.
Is it too early to start thinking about who we should be looking at in next year’s draft? – poindexterregan
It’s never too early to start thinking about next year’s draft. It should be a loaded class and I’d imagine the front seven will be an area of emphasis for the Patriots. I’m not ready to start thinking about some of the edge rushers projected in the top-five, but Georgia linebacker Chris Cole has been a favorite of mine as a mid-to-late first-round pick.
That’s all for this week’s #PostPulpit mailbag. If you have questions you’d liked to be answered next week, submit them online in our weekly submission post on the Feed. Make sure to follow @iambrianhines and @PatsPulpit as well.
