The New England Patriots got their first real test in Week 9: the Baltimore Ravens. It proved more than Bill Belichick and Tom Brady could handle. So perhaps it’s a good time for the Patriots to take their bye to re-evaluate just how good they are. The defense, which looked like one of the best in the franchise’s history, may not be quite at that level. The offense, which had the most points per game heading into Week 9, may have more problems than they’ve been letting on.
But New England is 8-1 and looks poised to nab the No. 1 spot in the playoff rankings, even with a tough schedule ahead (which could bring a few more losses). Here are a few players who need to step up.
1. Shaq Mason, G
He’s best known for his run-blocking abilities. But he’s not doing that well, which has been brutal for New England’s offense, which loved running off his back in 2018.
2. Sony Michel, RB
His vision may be improving, but he’s not making defenders miss. He has 1.96 yards after contact per attempt, last among 49 running backs with at least 38 touches in 2019. We saw him run with power and patience for five touches against the Ravens on Sunday. The Patriots need to see more of that. His 3.3 yards per carry isn’t cutting it. Yes, the offensive line needs to be better — but so does Michel.
3. Ben Watson, TE
In three games, he has eight receptions for 72 yards. He has improved what was a woeful tight end position. It’s clear the Patriots aren’t expecting much from their tight end position. Still, the Patriots don’t need Gronk. They just need someone who gets open and blocks competently. It seems Watson can be that guy. He should earn more targets in the coming weeks.
4. Isaiah Wynn, OT
He’s been out with a toe injury on IR-return. When he returns, he’ll take over for Marshall Newhouse. New England needs Wynn to help stabilize the blocking on Tom Brady’s blindside.
5. N’Keal Harry, WR
The rookie has taken zero snaps so far this season. When the Patriots drafted him 32nd overall, they probably envisioned him taking a bigger role than he has. When the Patriots released Josh Gordon roughly 10 days before N’Keal Harry could make his NFL debut, it seemed the rookie was ready to take a big role. Then he was inactive.
6. The kicking unit
They’ve gone from Stephen Gostkowski to Mike Nugent to Nick Folk. As a unit, they need to get better. And maybe with Folk as the top dog — with a bye week to recalibrate with holder Jake Bailey and long snapper Joe Cardona — the Patriots can see improvements. They are 28 of 33 on extra points and 14 of 18 on field goals. Surely, Belichick and special teams coordinator Joe Judge want to be better.
7. Danny Shelton, DT
I’m going to scapegoat Shelton even if he doesn’t really deserve it. But the Patriots run defense, as a whole, hasn’t been good. Shelton and linebackers Elandon Roberts and Johns Simon are among the Patriots whose primary duties include run defense. New England needs to have a more stout run defense than allowing 4.7 yards per carry (sixth-worst in the NFL).
8. Bill Belichick, coach
He’s done a masterful job, probably making himself a favorite for the Coach of the Year award. But the Week 9 loss to the Baltimore Ravens proved the Patriots have a long way to go if they want to win a Super Bowl. With an extremely tough schedule on the horizon, Belichick is going to have to step up his game.
