New England Patriots: 3 strategies to become competitive in 2021
New England Patriots: 3 strategies to become competitive in 2021 – No.2: Turn over the returning team.
The New England Patriots have lots of players who carry cap hits that could be used elsewhere on new, young players or just better players if they take some difficult but necessary measures. The fact of the matter is the returning New England Patriots’ team is not in any way shape or form Super Bowl competitive.
First of all, it doesn’t have a quarterback, No one. See above.
On offense, questions, big questions have to be answered. There is no more important unit on the squad than the offensive line. None. They need to invest wisely and draft well for change to ensure that it is the top unit on the team.
First, who stays and who goes, and at what cost? Decisions on David Andrews, free agent and linchpin of the offense; Joe Thuney the $14 million guard, center, tackle, and all-around top-performing star; Marcus Cannon, older, with a heavy cap hit; and, newer players like Jermaine Eluemunor and Corey Cunningham who have been almost totally ineffective have to be made and soon.
The Patriots have been poor in drafting offensive lineman of late and that is a change from their history. Absent the remarkably lucky selection of Michael Onwenu, a sixth-round pick who is a star in the making, many of their higher offensive line draft picks and free agent or trade acquisitions have been complete flops.
The first imperative for the New England Patriots is to sign center David Andrews, a top performer, a great leader, and an all-around terrific guy.
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Also, it is clear that while he is immensely talented, you can’t count on Isaiah Wynn, the left offensive tackle. He’s been hurt in all three years of his tenure at the club.
The Patriots need to draft an offensive tackle high up in the draft if they retain those picks. They also have to move on from Thuney (a sign and trade might work) and Cannon. By letting both go they seemingly will be able to save over $20 million on the cap. That’s massive savings that can be used elsewhere (see below) to shore up other positions.
The offensive skill positions are also in need of a complete makeover. Depending on Julian Edelman’s status (he should stay if he wants to), and the surprising Jakobi Meyers, there’s nothing there. The team needs to invest in free agency on a top wide receiver and another wideout who can play, as well.
At tight end, there’s no one of NFL caliber at the moment. Neither of the two third-round picks, Devin Asiasi and Dalton Keene produced anything last season. They’re not going anywhere but the Patriots need to invest in a legitimate tight end starter. How to add to those positions is explained below.
Running backs are also mired in mediocrity. Rex Burkhead and James White are free agents. Burkhead should go and White be re-signed if they can get a reasonable deal done. Sony Michel is injured often and inconsistent. The best of the bunch is Damien Harris and J.J. Taylor. They need to invest in a big back or two lower in the draft. Finally. It’s just time.
On defense, suffice it to say, they need new and better players on the defensive line and at linebacker/edge. The defensive line is poor at pass-rushing and its run defense is mediocre, as well. Not a great situation. Just about everyone is expendable.
The linebackers again, mediocre. It was expected by observers that Chase Winovich would take a huge leap forward and step up in his magical second-year. He didn’t.
They need an impact linebacker/edge player desperately. It may be Dont’a Hightower but he’s getting older and costs a bundle. Tough decisions need to be made here, but improvement is absolutely necessary.
The defensive backfield has loads of talent but it’s time to move on from some of the older more costly players. Use that cap space to go out and get a linebacker and defensive tackle in free agency and fill in with the depth available at those positions.
Tough calls here, but that’s why the Patriots’ management makes the big bucks. The player personnel operation has to hit some home runs. They had one last season in Onwenu and little else. Time to earn their keep and with a new leader replacing Caserio, the opportunity for some new and more effective creativity is there.