NFL
By: Steve Atkinson
Note to Patriots don’t let a player leave your building without a contract. The Patriots lost out on the Hopkins sweepstakes to the Titans. After the Patriots singed DeVante Parker because he plays ball with Belichick it wasn’t certain if they would sign Hopkins. Regardless their offense should be ten times better than it was last year with or without Hopkins. The guy could’ve been a clear number one receiver for Mac Jones or a complete dud like he was last year. He doesn’t like to practice and if things go south he tends to give up.
No doubt though the Patriots offense would have been great with Hopkins giving Mac his go-to receiver potentially. However, if they started to lose games or he didn’t think he was getting the ball then things might have gone south. But with Kendrick Bourne back from not being in the doghouse under the Matt Patricia offense he should be Mac’s go-to receiver. JuJu-Smith Schuster is probably going to be Mac’s second go-to receiver whenever he comes back from vacation and DeVante Parker third. Also, Tyquan Thorton who is injury prone should have a better year under O’Brien. They also have Mike Gesicki and Hunter Henry in the two tight end set that will make plays.
Offensive Line Is A big Question For The Patriots
The big question mark is the offensive line. Are the two no-names Riely Reiff and Calvin Anderson any good? Will Trent Brown buy into the offense and system? How much of a factor will offensive line coach Adian Klemm play? Does David Andrews have to take more of a leadership role? The David Andrews part could be true. If Jones isn’t protected properly, it could cause the whole operation to be a disaster.
You need a clear answer on Mac this season without any excuses for the type of protection he may or may not have. He might have to scramble in the pocket more if the protection isn’t up to par. We will get our first look at the offense a week from Wednesday when training camp begins for the Patriots.
Now if we want to get technical not signing Hopkins and signing Parker could be leverage on Belichick’s part. He probably thinks Parker would listen and play ball with him better than Hopkins would. Hopkins the better plater for sure but Parker didn’t talk shit about the Matt Patricia offense last year. So you do you think Belichick would rather sign the player who didn’t talk shit or the player that might give up if things go south? The answer is the first thing Belichick wants people to know he’s still in control even though slowly he’s lost power in areas.
I’ve said Belichick should have nothing to do with the offense game plan wise and calling plays. He should have nothing to do with the quarterback on game days. Let Mac Jones answer to O’Brien and him only. With Bill Belichick staying away from the offense they should be better regardless of Hopkins.
Get ready for training camp by supporting me and Team NBS by visiting our partners at https://www.nflshop.com/new-england-patriots/collectibles/
