New England Patriots: 3 major reasons why Pats offense failed in 2020

2. The lack of offensive line depth.

One needs to look no further than the recent game against the Rams to also see that the currently makeshift Patriots offensive line is not up to par. While Newton has shouldered the blame, the sieve-like offensive line puts him in jeopardy on almost every passing play.

Losses of the seemingly now-retired Marcus Cannon to opt-out and now injury again to center David Andrews has left that line thinner than ever. All-Pro sensation Aaron Donald of the Rams and his compatriots had a field day in the Patriots backfield last Sunday.

Seeing Jermaine Eluemunor at left tackle is enough to make Newton seek a lawyer to sue for non-support. He’s not an NFL-caliber guard never mind left tackle. Why the Patriots have not inserted Joe Thuney, the team’s $14 million guard and all-around great offensive lineman into that position is baffling at best.

Thuney is the team’s best option without a doubt. He’s a terrifically talented player at all positions on the offensive line. Thuney could fit the bill much better than anyone else on the roster now with Isaiah Wynn out again.

One caveat there, I wouldn’t count out Onwenu to have slotted in better on the left side than Eluemunor. Unfortunately, the dreadful performance against LA has essentially doomed the Patriots season. It’s likely just too late now.

Neither Eluemunor nor Korey Cunningham another underperforming offensive lineman, both of whom were acquired for draft pick(s) in 2019, has provided New England with the offensive line depth they almost certainly expected. They are waiver wire-level players at best and Newton paid the price with Eluemunor at left tackle last Sunday.

To sum up, this offensive line, the most critical unit on the entire team, was woefully deficient.