There are a number of keys for the Patriots “rebuild” this offseason. There’s the obvious need for a new offensive coordinator and maybe even a new offense in general. We’ll skip that.
Key #2 Get Marcus Jones the Ball
One positive from this season was Marcus Jones. I would like to see what he can offer us as a full-time receiver. As much as he can offer us on defense, I think he is most effective with the ball in his hands.
The Patriots aren’t the same without Julian Edelman or Wes Welker dominating the middle of the field. That has been our most notable missing piece this season. It’s truly eye opening to see our offense play without that guy. They are what made the quick game so successful. We need to give Marcus Jones the opportunity to be that guy or look for one in the draft or free agency.
Key #3 Part Ways With Jonnu Smith
Jonnu Smith has been one of the bigger disappointments over the last two seasons. After showing flashes of greatness with Tennessee, Smith has been almost nonexistent as a pass catcher with the Patriots. He only has one touchdown since becoming a Patriot. I think for both sides, it is time to move on.
Key #4 Quarterback Competition
This season has been very rough on Mac Jones. With Bailey Zappe coming in and doing what he did this season, he has earned the chance to be the starter next season. There needs to be a full offseason competition to really prove who deserves the Job. The debate can’t continue into next season.
I still think Mac will win the Job but he needs to prove himself. During camp last year there was no competition and that may have been a mistake. After all, we did draft Zappe in the fourth round.
Key #5 Draft Well
Obviously, a goal for every team in the NFL is to draft well but the Patriots coaching room needs to draft well this year to make up for past years. What happened in the 2019 draft still hurts today and will hurt for years to come. The Patriots drafted N’Keal Harry over AJ Brown, DK Metcalf, Deebo Samuel, Terry McLaurin, and even Hunter Renfrow.
With both Jakobi Meyers and Nelson Agholor becoming free agents, we may need to draft another wide receiver.
Someone I have my eyes on is Boston College standout Zay Flowers. He has the quickness we are looking for. Another one I would love to see get drafted by the Patriots is TCU’s Quentin Johnston.
One pick is all it takes to change the fate of your team. That being said I do think we have had two good drafts in a row. Let’s keep the momentum rolling.
Even after all the mishaps this season the Patriots were nowhere near the worst team in the league, even though it felt that way at times.
They gave us a respectable season and effort through it all, thanks to our defense. In the end, no team has standards as high as the Patriots do.
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