Don’t Expect The Patriots To Win A Lot

By: Steve Atkinson

The Patriots are opening the season against the Bengals on Sunday. The season kicks off on Thursday, and it’s expected that the Patriots won’t win many games this year, especially with tough opening games against the Bengals,, Jets, and 49ers. The team is undergoing a total rebuild due to previous drafts focusing on defense and special teas. This year, GM Eliot Wolf has mostly focused on drafting offensive players, with only one defensive player selected.

Jacoby Brissett, who has played the Bengals frequently, is familiar with their tactics.

Yeah, more so for, I guess, the defense more than anything, not to watch myself, really. But understanding a lot of the things that we tried to attack then. I watched the game later in the year when we played them the second time – when Deshaun [Watson] was playing –and how they corrected a lot of those things, that kind of chess match. Then even last year, kind of seeing some of the same things because a lot of the stuff kind of carries over year to year. They’ve obviously figured out a lot of the stuff that we’re trying to do. So, dating back to the year I was there, I watched those two games and then last year’s game a couple of times just to kind of get in the mindset of how this offense/hybrid offense attacks Lou and how Lou attacks this offense.

He mentioned that he’s studied the Bengals’ defense to understand their strategies and adjustments. He’s watched the games from previous years to analyze how the Bengals have countered their offensive tactics. The offense has struggled due to the poor performance of the offensive line for several years. This is why Jacoby Brissett is starting, as it’s believed that Drake Maye would have a tough time playing behind that line. There are concerns about the lack of a veteran backup if Jacoby Brissett gets injured.

Jacoby Brissett Is Ready To Go For The Patriots

Brissett expressed confidence in the plan to face the Bengals’ defense and stressed the importance of the offensive line’s performance for the team’s success. He believes in their capabilities despite the ongoing challenges.

I’m excited for them. I know that’s the big question about us: what’s the offensive line situation? I think that’s the cool part about this league and this game. Everybody can have all these questions, but you’ve still got to go line up and do it. I think those guys understand that. They understand that task. I feel very confident with this plan and how we’re going to attack the defense, but also [how they’re going to] help us protect the quarterback and the running back, and obviously, pushing the ball down the field and things like that

In 2022, Matt Patricia served as the offensive coordinator and offensive line coach, which was perceived as unsuccessful. In 2023, Adrian Klem, the offensive line coach, had to take a leave. This year, Eliot Wolf decided to focus on the quarterback position and signed a player from the Steelers with performance issues. Rebuilding the offense will take time due to the mismanagement after Tom Brady’s departure.

Although the Patriots aren’t intentionally tanking, they are expected to secure a high draft pick in 2025. They aim to remain competitive and make progress throughout the year. Linebacker Mayo mentioned that a successful season for them would involve being competitive in each game and making progress throughout the year.

They aren’t solely focused on winning the division or making the playoffs; their primary goal is constant improvement. However, concerns remain about the team’s offensive line and how it will impact their progress.