New England Patriots: Players who need to start ballin’ following bye

The offensive line

Another one the main problems with the New England Patriots offense is that Tom Brady doesn’t have enough time to operate.

Teams know that one of the main ways to beat the Patriots is by putting pressure on Brady, therefore opposing defenses will try their hardest to do so.

The offensive line is banged up, of course, with second-year tackle Isaiah Wynn being placed on injured reserve early in the season and center David Andrews being out the entire season due to blood clots being found in his lungs. Marshall Newhouse and Ted Karras have since taken over the left tackle and center spots respectively, but the presence of Wynn and Andrews is sorely missed.

Through 9 games, Brady has been sacked 15 times, compared to only 21 all of last season.

It may not seem like much in comparison to other teams, but Tom Brady is 42 and cannot move how he once may have been able to. He also needs more time in the pocket. The main way this offense can get on track is if the offensive line can perform better, despite injuries.