New England Patriots: 3 observations from solid victory vs Raiders
New England Patriots had struggles on both sides of the ball
Whatever New England tries to do to fill the monstrous hole created by the retired and then un-retired Rob Gronkowski, the results by the tight end contingent in the passing offense are the same, lousy. They just are not open or they are not targeted. That aspect of the offense is just invisible.
Conversely, it was nice to see one of the third-round picks, Devin Asiasi get some playing time. The young man can block but neither he nor fellow third-rounder Dalton Keene (who evidently can’t even make the game-day roster) is having any impact in the passing game. Once again, New England’s draft scouting scores big. Not.
The pass rush is still lacking
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New England seems to get close but most of the time they can’t close the deal and sack the quarterback. They just can’t seem to finish the job. It hasn’t helped that a second-round draft pick, Josh Uche, who just might be the best pure pass rusher on the team is on injured reserve. The injuries just keep on coming.
Other than an occasional effort from Chase Winovich, no one is getting to the quarterback enough and it’s having its effect on the entire defensive effort. It’s just not good enough. To beat a team like next week’s foe, the reigning Super Bowl Champion Kansas City Chiefs at home, it has to get a whole lot better fast.
The defensive backfield is leaking big plays
Referring to number three, the defensive backfield is underperforming. The unit looked upon by many observers as the best on the team (guilty as charged here) has been letting the team down at times.
Big plays by Seattle and by Las Vegas have exposed them to a degree. They have to get better and more consistent.
Stephon Gilmore, regarded as perhaps the best defensive back in the league has had problems the past two games. He’s giving up big plays and logging costly penalties.
The best in the business has to up his game if he is to keep that erstwhile title and New England is to compete for honors. A weak pass rush, inability to keep contain, and allowing big plays allowed in the passing game will spell big problems for a New England team looking up at the Buffalo Bills.