New England Patriots: 4 moves to improve offensive fire power in 2020
Four moves that will bring the New England Patriots success in 2020.
The 2020 New England Patriots have been hit with the most devastating loss of a player in league history, the defection of Tom Brady to Tampa Bay.
This is the worst NFL player exit since the trade of Joe Montana to Kansas City by the San Francisco 49ers.
So, is all lost in 2020 for New England? Maybe not. There are ways and it’s not too late for the Patriots to rectify their impending fall in the standings and reclaim their rightful place at the top of the AFC East. But it’s not going to be easy. They need to retool their offense now.
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So let’s explore how the Patriots might rebound from a disastrous offseason and maintain the top spot in the AFC East. These suggested strategies deal with their offense.
Patriots need to bring in a quarterback to challenge Jarrett Stidham
The New England Patriots seemingly (and that is speculative, even now) have chosen to cast their lot with Jarrett Stidham as their starting quarterback in 2020. That is unless they decide to roll with Brian Hoyer as the No. 1. But that seems unlikely. I suggest a competition. A serious competition.
Now Stidham may be the next great quarterback. I hope he is. But should a perennial top team in the AFC East place all their marbles in the hands of a 4-throw history quarterback? The most important position on any NFL team? The answer is obvious. No.
But, there is still an option available to New England in the open market that could help them rebound somewhat from the loss of their all-time great quarterback. It’s a former NFL MVP quarterback, Cam Newton.
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He’s only 31. He’s available. Just for money.
Newton is coming off a tough injury season, so he is damaged goods and his playing style is inductive to injury. But he is a modern NFL RPO quarterback. Oh, and he has an MVP to his credit. An NFL MVP, that is. So, if it costs only money, why not roll the dice and let him compete?
If Jarrett Stidham wins the competition, so be it. But let him earn it. I doubt he would. Newton is the first and best strategy for New England to reset their offense post-Tom Brady.
New England Patriots should trade for a running back
The New England Patriots running back room is mediocre. Whether Jarrett Stidham or anyone else is at the helm, they will need to run the ball effectively.
I have written before, their running back room absent the inimitable James White is devoid of real talent. And White is primarily a receiver out of the backfield.
Their other running backs are all similar. Medium size. Not blazingly fast. And unlikely to break a big run. If your passing game is suspect, this is a prescription for defeat.
The Patriots need to trade for a dynamic running back with a team that has a surplus there. Draft pick. Player. Whatever it takes. Do it.
New England Patriots need wide receiver help
The New England Patriots did little to beef up a wide receiver corps that was woefully deficient in 2019. I’ve written before, there was Julian Edelman, James White and a bunch of no-names catching the ball from Tom Brady last season.
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After Edelman, no wideout caught more than 29 last season. Sad commentary.
New England with a clear need drafted no wideouts in a supposedly wide receiver-heavy draft. Such non-moves make observers scratch their heads wondering what they are thinking. I’m one of them. So, with that in mind, they need to make a move.
New England should evaluate all NFL team rosters, which I am certain they do and find one with an apparent surplus at wide receiver. That’s the target for a deal for draft choices or a player.
New England seems to value draft choices less than other teams, so why not trade them for known commodities on teams with a surplus of receivers? Makes good sense.
New England Patriots need tight end experience
The New England Patriots are seemingly relying on two rookie tight ends to be productive in a complicated offense with no experience.
That’s shortsighted.
They need to make a move. Trade a player or pick(s) to secure a young veteran tight end who can make a difference.
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Right now, the Patriots are rolling the dice on two rookie players who many feel are overrated draft picks. I’m one of them. Hopefully, they’ll work out. But securing a guy whom they know can play will be an asset all-around, even to the two young players. Make the move.
So, there are 4 prescriptions for the New England Patriots to seek to bolster their offense after a lackluster offseason.
Absent some of these moves, the Patriots offense will surely regress from 2019. And, in 2019, even with the greatest QB in league history at the helm, it wasn’t very good.