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

3. Lack of a big back continues to plague New England patriots

In addition, the Patriots persisted in failing to address the lack of a big back that has plagued them since the departure of the recently retired LeGarrette Blount. Blount was solid back for New England and since his departure, they have had to rely on their quarterbacks in short-yardage situations.

Brady and Newton are excellent in that role but their use for the Patriots became all too predictable. The play-calling with Newton in the shotgun and in short-yardage or near the goal line is just pathetic. The team has largely failed to capitalize on Newton’s deception factor in those situations (and others) as an RPO quarterback. Why not is unfathomable.

Newton the short-yardage guy is as clear as day to any defensive coordinator. That’s why on several key players that have helped determine the outcome of the season, the team could have broadcast over loudspeakers that Newton would carry the ball likely up the middle. No chance. Also, Damien Harris has proven to be a decent back and the Patriots best at the moment.

But he’s not a big back whose job is just to slam into the line and get a yard or two for a first down to extend a drive or a touchdown within two yards. That was Blount as his 18 touchdowns in 2016 attest. (Full disclosure: Blount is still one of my favorite Patriot’s backs of all-time and he’d have been a great option for New England even this season.)

The Patriots at 6-7 now are firmly ensconced in third place in the AFC East looking up at both the Dolphins and the Bills. This season, while at times looked promising was ultimately doomed to failure by its personnel decisionmaking, especially in the offseason.

The contention here is that playoff spots and more are crafted during the offseason. You basically are what you do during those 6 months or so.

The New England Patriots flubbed their offseason team-building essentially dooming their season to one of inconsistency and losses.

The good news is, they’ll get to try all over again beginning in about 2 months. Yet, leave you with this thought, who’d have thought we’d have to say “wait ’til next year’ about the Patriots?

Yet, that is exactly the situation facing Patriots Nation for the first time in about 20 years.