It’s no question that the New England Patriots aren’t the same as they used to be since the departure of their two legends, legendary quarterback Tom Brady, and legendary head coach Bill Belichick. Today, as the 2024 season continues the New England Patriot’s offense ranks 31st in the league in points per game. They only average just 13 points a game, and even in their only win that came against the Cincinnati Bengals they only managed to score just 16 points.
Even Coach Jerod Mayo knows that if you can’t score points you can’t win games, saying:
“There aren’t too many games you’re going to win if you score under, let’s just say, 21 points.”
Jerod Mayo has preached this message to all of his players this week, so Alex Van Pelt’s unit has to find ways to put more points on the scoreboard moving forward. That means making changes that could include getting different players more involved.
New England Patriots Offensive Coordinator Alex Van Pelt Has Some Decisions To Make
Alex Van Pelt has some decisions to make to fix this offense’s struggles. One big change that the Patriots could benefit from is, moving forward with Antonio Gibson instead of Rhamondre Stevenson. There’s no question that Rhamondre Stevenson has a fumbling problem. and coach Mayo has said prior that ball security is job security. And despite playing just 29 percent of the team’s offensive snaps through four weeks, Antonio Gibson has been super effective in his role as both ball carrier and even pass catcher.
The Patriots are lacking explosive playmakers like Antonio Gibson, so more touches should be in line for the back regardless of Rhamondre Stevenson’s status. Another big change for the Patriots could be the return of Kendrick Bourne who’s been on the PUP list all summer, as he works his way back from a torn ACL he suffered last year.
Is The Return Of Kendrick Bourne Coming Soon?
Kendrick Bourne was back on the practice field Wednesday as Jerod Mayo said it’s not entirely unrealistic to expect him to suit up here soon, maybe even Sunday against the Miami Dolphins depending on how he responds throughout the week. Kendrick Bourne would be a welcomed boost to the Patriot’s passing attack due to his ability to separate in short, and intermediate areas of the field. New England’s other pass catchers are wearing coverage way too often.
When Bourne is fully cleared and ready to go, he should immediately be a WR1 or WR2 behind K.J. Osborn, and Tyquan Thornton. This could also be a good pairing with Drake Maye if Drake Maye ends up getting more playing time, which is my last point on how this Patriots offense needs to change.
Is It Time For Drake Maye To Make His Patriots Debut As The Starter
New England has been hesitant to put their rookie behind this horrific O-Line, especially with center David Andrews out. Jacoby Brissett has been a part of the problem in recent weeks. While Jacoby Brissett has faced a league-high pressure rate, he’s not making things better by holding onto the ball and failing to pull the trigger when receivers are open. While Brissett took care of the football through the first three weeks, things boiled over against the 49ers.
Jacoby Brissett fell apart throwing an early pick-six, and not being able to control the ball. To be honest Drake Maye won’t solve all of the Patriots’ problems, but his high-level arm talent, his aggressiveness, and his mobility would boost the Patriots’ offense, especially on third downs where they’re currently near the bottom of the league in conversion rate. Alex Van Pelt has made it clear that the offense would be tailored to Maye’s strengths to help with the beaten-up O-line.
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