As the Patriots prepare for their week six match up in Cleveland this Sunday, I thought it would be a good idea to review the Patriots season so far. With them being just about a third of the way through the year (31%) the Pats find themselves in the cellar of the AFC East at 2-3. With strong performances over the past four week after their week one loss to Miami the Patriots seem to be figuring out their strengths and weaknesses offensively.
Offensive Line
Offensively the line play has been great so far. When drafting Cole Strange in the first round this season to play left guard many people thought Bill Belichick was out of his mind, Sean McVay. Even with the criticism he faces for making that pick strange has been fantastic so far through five games.
According to PFF, week one was his stronger grade with a 66. He’s been better as a pass blocker averaging a 67.5 as compared to his run grade being a 52.9. In that sense one would think it would be the other way around for a young player being better as a downhill blocker as compared to a pass blocker but that is not the case here.
Isaiah Wynn has been good as well on the OLine but one problem has been his inability to not hold. He has six holding calls through five games and that’s difficult to assess. A lot of his holding calls have been when he gets beat on the outside. That’s good because he’d rather take a penalty as opposed to having your quarterback getting hit. On the other hand it’s bad because he’s being beaten at least once a game from the outside.
Running Backs
The Patriots have implemented a two running back system throughout much of this year. Damien Harris being the main back with Rhamondre Stevenson being his complimentary piece the Patriots have been one of the NFL’s better rushing teams, tied for eighth, averaging 138 yards per contest.
Harris has been his usual self again this year being ranked the 28th best run rating this year according to PFF. He is the 20th best for players who have played in all five games this year. If it were not for his hamstring injury last week against Detroit he would have been closer to the eight to ten range where he was coming into week five.
Rhamondre Stevenson shined this past weekend when Harris went down carrying the Patriots offense on his back. Along with receiver Jakobi Meyers the ball was in the hands of one of those two in the 29-0 victory. After his huge game last week Stevenson now sits in 11th place in total rushing yards this season. Each week we have seen his touches go up more and more and I cannot think that they do not continue to climb.
As he asserts himself as the Pats main threat to catch the ball out of the back field along with his power running style he is likely to have a few more big games this season.
QB Situation
It was obvious to everyone that Mac Jones struggled in the three games he played in this season. WIth a new offensive scheme this year and no clear play caller until after Jones’ injury one cannot blame him for his struggles this year.
Even with Jones’ struggles this season he still is ranked higher than many of his peers at the starting position. When it comes to total offensive output he’s ranked higher than Matthew Stafford, Baker Mayfield, Matt Ryan, and Justin Fields.
When it comes to the Jones versus Zappe conversation there is on true outcome. When Mac Jones is healthy he will be under center again. Zappe has played well in his two games but when you have invested a first round pick on a quarterback you need to let him play.
Not to mention when it comes to the betterment of the Patriots it is more beneficial for everyone to have Jones in there. The playbook can be opened up more and that can allow for receivers to have more opportunities and create different problems for the opposing defense.
With Zappe in there it’s simple. No check down, don’t audible, make the safe throw. Yes it has worked so far but eventually it’s going to get stale. Zappe will be back on the bench soon enough.
Receivers & Tight Ends
Receiving wise the Patriots have done a terrific job with Zappe in there though. Parker and Meyers specifically have shined with Zappe. Last week against the Lions it was a steady diet of Jakobi Meyers running across the field getting open and then taking a shot down field to Parker for either a catch or a pass interference call.
Parker has seemed to get comfortable now as his targets have gone up each week since week two. He continues to use his wide frame to dominate smaller defensive backs when going up for the ball. So far it has seemed to pay off trading for him.
Nelson Agholar has been a breath of fresh air as well as he has contributed greatly to the offense as well. Even though he wasn’t much of a contributor last week he has been a solid number two option for the Pats offense at receiver.
The tight ends have not been utilized as much as last year so far as Hunter Henry and Jonnu Smith have a combined 15 catches through five games. This is an issue for New England as Henry and Smith are the number two and five highest earners on the team. To get little to no production when you spend 23 million dollars a year is a concern.
Regardless, the Patriots quarterback situation is non ideal. Losing a starter long term and then your backup right away is scary enough. Having to play a rookie who’s never dressed in an NFL game is close to pressing the panic button on the season but Zappe has been able to help the team tread water and be competitive.
The team is far from perfect at the moment but the competition has never waivered at all. The team is in every game and I expect them to be in every game from here on out.