The NFL schedule has officially been released, but the focus for New England Patriots has remained centered on the offseason program as OTAs are less than two weeks away.
So, let’s get into this week’s #PostPulpit Mailbag.
What is the game youre most looking forward to on the Patriots schedule? – Mike W.
It’s tough to top the Super Bowl rematch right out of the gate, especially in the Seattle environment. While it will be a challenging one for the Patriots, they should fare much better than they did
three months ago with the upgrades the’ve made this offseason.
Other playoff rematches against the Broncos, who made a big swing this offseason by acquiring Jaylen Waddle, and the Chargers, who should be healthier and now have Mike McDaniel coordinating the offense, should make for great primetime matchups. And any Drake Maye vs. Caleb Williams game (along with Mike Vrabel vs. Ben Johnson) should be a fun watch, although hopefully it’s not hurt by being on Thursday Night Football.
Are there any anticipated schematic shifts given the additions/losses personnel wise for the Patriots ie; loss of Tonga, addition of Byard, loss of Diggs, addition of AVT (plus the likely addition of AJ Brown)? – LandenPatz1
The biggest change appears to be on offense. Dating back to last season, New England has remodeled its offensive line with a focus on adding athleticism (Campbell, Wilson, AVT, Lomu). With Drake Maye at quarterback, the goal is to prioritize pass protection while also becoming more athletic up front to move the pocket, operate bootlegs, etc.
That shift could also lead to an increased emphasis on a zone run game, which in turn opens up play-action and those bootleg concepts. Additions such as Reggie Gilliam and Julian Hill — both strong blockers on the move and at the second level — would further support that transition.
It looks to me we want to run much more often based on free agency signed players and even draft picks. It should open the passing game if it is efficient. WYT ? – 7i165
Running the football more consistently is a clear point of emphasis this season. Speaking at the NFL League Meetings this offseason, Mike Vrabel noted the team’s ability to generate explosive runs but also its struggles with efficiency on the ground. Eliot Wolf also said several offseason additions were made intentionally to improve the rushing attack.
Staying ahead of the chains and improving their short-yardage efficiency should make life easier for Drake Maye and the offense, while also enhancing their play-action pass game.
I can’t help but wonder whether Henderson will make a major jump this year. It seems to me the shift to a more mobile OL is all about getting him space. What do you think his season will look like? – ed.liebfried
Last season, Henderson seemed to be the definition of home-run or bust in the running game. The offseason additions should benefit him, along with the potential shift toward more zone concepts. After struggling down the stretch last season, hopefully things slow down mentally for the speedster to find more consistency moving forward — additionally in terms of a pass blocker in order to get on the field in passing situations.
Has the pass rush been upgraded? – wrw921
The team believes Dre’Mont Jones is an upgrade over K’Lavon Chaisson. Add in second-round rookie Gabe Jacas, who projects to make an immediate impact, and that should lead to an improved unit. Time will also tell how Harold Landry recovers from a knee injury that derailed a strong start to last season.
Game of upgrade, downgrade, or potential to be an upgrade – sjamesbossports
Most of the rookies will probably fall in the “potential” category, but here we go:
- Alijah Vera-Tucker over Garrett Bradbury: Upgrade
- A.J. Brown over Stefon Diggs: Upgrade
- Romeo Doubs over DeMario Douglas: Upgrade
- Eli Raridon over AustinHooper: Potential to be an upgrade
- Caleb Lomu over Thayer Munford Jr: Upgrade
- Reggie Gilliam over Jack Westover: Upgrade
- Kevin Byard over Jaylinn Hawkins: Upgrade
- Dre’Mont Jones over K’Lavon Chaisson: (Slight) upgrade
- Gabe Jacas over Anfernee Jennings: Potential to be an upgrade
- K.J. Britt over Jack Gibbens: Potential to be an upgrade
- Namdi Obiazor over Jahlani Tavai: Potential to be an upgrade
- Quintayvious Hutchins over Chad Muma: N/A … tough to compare with Hutchins being a pass rusher and Muma being an off-ball linebacker.
- Joshua Farmer over Khyiris Tonga: Downgrade with potential to be an upgrade
Who sucks more at their job?
A. Bryce Baringer with his shanks and/or continually punting into the end zone
B. Eliot Wolf for not drafting a punter with all of those day 3 picks he was just pulling off the trash heap? (Not even an UDFA?! 🤦♂️) – PartyPats
I was a bit surprised the Patriots did not add another punter to compete with Bryce Baringer in the final year of his rookie contract. There is, however, still plenty of time to do so, and it’s not some drastic mistake they can’t recover from.
And while Baringer has been inconsistent at times, he executed the game plan well to avoid kicking to Marvin Mims in a snowy AFC Championship Game and also delivered a strong Super Bowl performance. As a general fan of competition, I wouldn’t mind them adding another punter for training camp, but it’s not something to lose sleep over at this point.
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 or on Twitter using #PostPulpit. Make sure to be following @iambrianhines and @PatsPulpit as well.
