The New England Patriots are facing a tough season, and their struggles on offense have been a significant factor in their disappointing 3-9 record through the first 12 weeks of the 2024 campaign. This season marks the first under head coach Jerod Mayo, and fans are left wondering why the team has failed to find its rhythm on that side of the ball.
Offensive Line Woes
One of the primary reasons for the Patriots’ offensive struggles is their lack of talented pass-catchers. Quarterbacks Jacoby Brissett and rookie Drake Maye have not had the support they need to succeed. However, the real issue lies deeper—specifically, in the performance of the offensive line.
NFL analytics guru Ben Baldwin recently shared some eye-opening data regarding the pass-protection ratings across the league. This composite score, which takes into account Pro Football Focus grades, Sports Info Solutions’ blown-block percentage, and ESPN’s pass-block win rate, paints a grim picture for New England.
Through 12 weeks, the Patriots’ composite score stands at a dismal 2, placing them dead last in the league. To put that in perspective, only two other teams are even close to that low: the New Orleans Saints with a score of 14 and the Tennessee Titans at 13. It’s clear that the Patriots’ offensive line is struggling to hold its own.
Pressure on the Quarterbacks
The impact of this poor pass protection is evident in the performance of both quarterbacks. Maye has faced pressure on 38% of his dropbacks, while Brissett has been under pressure an alarming 44.1% of the time. This relentless pressure not only disrupts their rhythm but also increases the likelihood of mistakes, leading to a lack of offensive production.
But the issues don’t stop there. The offensive line’s struggles extend to the running game as well. New England’s top two running backs, Antonio Gibson and Rhamondre Stevenson, rank 28th and 41st in yards before contact, respectively, with scores of 2.0 and 1.7. This means that they are not getting the necessary push from the offensive line to create opportunities for effective runs.
Visualizing the Struggles
Baldwin’s analysis includes a chart that illustrates the relationship between run-blocking and pass-blocking performance. The x-axis denotes the team’s run-block composite, while the y-axis shows their pass-block composite. It doesn’t take a genius to read this chart and see just how poorly the Patriots’ offensive line has performed compared to the rest of the league.
Recent Changes and Future Outlook
In an effort to address these issues, the Patriots have made several moves along their offensive line this season, including the recent release of starting left guard Michael Jordan. With the season nearing its end, it’s hard to expect significant changes to the offensive line’s performance. However, it is crucial for the team to make adjustments before Maye suffers any injuries or develops bad habits that could hinder his growth as a quarterback.
The coaching staff has a monumental task ahead of them. They need to find a way to bolster the offensive line and provide their quarterbacks with the protection they desperately need. Otherwise, the Patriots risk not only a lost season but also the long-term development of their young talent.
Looking Ahead
As the Patriots prepare for Week 13, they face a critical juncture in their season. The pressure is mounting, and the team must rally to improve their offensive output. With 15 players appearing on the first injury report of the week, the depth of the roster will be tested.
Additionally, head coach Jerod Mayo has publicly called out Drake Maye for repeated errors, emphasizing the need for improvement. The Patriots must also navigate the challenges of the power rankings, where they currently sit at the bottom.
More Patriots News
In the midst of these struggles, here are some additional updates surrounding the team:
- 15 Patriots appeared on the first injury report of Week 13.
- Patriots coach calls out Drake Maye for repeated errors.
- Patriots release starting offensive lineman, claim another.
- Where Patriots sit in Week 13 NFL power rankings.
The path ahead is daunting, but for the Patriots, there’s always hope. The team has the talent to turn things around, but it will take a collective effort to fix the issues plaguing their offensive line and overall performance. As fans, we can only wait and see how this season unfolds. Will the Patriots find a way to rise from the ashes, or will they continue to struggle? Only time will tell.
