New England Patriots: 3 players crucial to victory vs NY Jets

No. 2: New England Patriots left guard Michael Onwenu has to dominate

Michael Onwenu, a sixth-round pick in 2020, was the New England Patriots best rookie last season. He also played almost exclusively at right tackle, a position he had played little if at all during his time at Michigan.

He was terrific, but was moved to left guard in the offseason to help replace outgoing left guard Joe Thuney. Yet, since they didn’t get the backup tackle they needed in the offseason, Onwenu should have been the first guy called upon to replace Trent Brown once he went out with injury against the Dolphins.

Bill Belichick was taken to task in this space for not immediately inserting Michael Onwenu into that familiar spot when Trent Brown got hurt early against Miami. The Patriots paid the price.

Brown’s substitutes didn’t make the grade. First off the bench, Justin Herron, wiped out a big pass play to Kendrick Bourne with a penalty. Not what Belichick had hoped.

The best play on Sunday is still to move Michael Onwenu right into that position and insert super-sub Ted Karras into the left guard spot he vacates. Any other move will probably fail again.

If Michael Onwenu plays right tackle, the entire offensive line improves. If the offensive line improves, so will the running and the pass protection.

Give Mac Jones time and he’ll rip the Jets secondary to shreds and win the game. The offensive line is the key and Michael Onwenu is the key offensive lineman to watch for on Sunday.