It’s hard to believe that this New England Patriots offense could find its rhythm and crank it up before the playoffs.
They are in the middle of the pack in yards per game and Tom Brady’s only trusted wide receiver in the group is Julian Edelman. Rob Gronkowski is no longer around to draw double teams, while dominating as a blocker and pass-catcher. The offense has only consisted of Brady, Edelman and James White over the past few weeks.
New England is ranked No. 30 when it comes to passing in the red zone also. So, can they overcome these deficiency’s with only three games remaining in the regular season? Former member of the Patriots coaching staff, Eric Mangini, believes that they can turn it around before the playoffs begin.
“When you see N’Keal Harry, he’s come back, they’re learning about him. Mohamed Sanu, they’re learning about him. Isaiah Wynn, he’s just gotten back in two or three games ago. So as much as we talk about their development, these guys are new additions to the team and they’re still learning about them,” Mangini said, transcribed by NESN. “Do I think it’s where they want to be offensively? No. The problems they have on the offensive line are real and I’ve said that for weeks and weeks now. But I do think they have the ability to figure out a way to overcome those deficiencies.”
Brady does have larger, capable receivers in Sanu and Harry that he’ll have to trust and throw to. The Patriots play the Cincinnati Bengals, Buffalo Bills and Miami Dolphins to finish off the season. The Bengals and Dolphins matchups will give Brady the opportunity to experiment a little more, and attempt to develop chemistry with his new receivers.
Wynn’s development is ascending and he’s the reason that the Patriots have more affectively ran the football. His growing trust with Brady’s blindside will help keep some duress out of the pocket.
The Patriots carry one of the league’s best defenses, and only time will tell if this offense can find their rhythm in time for the playoffs.
