New England Patriots: 3 biggest questions entering 2022 training camp

As every year, as the NFL season begins anew, hope springs eternal for fans of the New England Patriots that they are once again on their way to another Super Bowl win. At least that was the sentiment during the halcyon days, the 20 years that Tom Brady was at the helm of the Patriots’ offense.

With Brady’s ill-advised almost forced exit from Foxborough, expectations have to be tempered. Yet, as summer camp begins, with a new and improved Mac Jones at the helm, hopes of Patriot Nation are again on the rise.

To temper those aspirations for glory, however, three major impediments must be overcome if the team is to once again break back into playoffs and contend for the AFC East title and more. Let’s take a look at those three obstacles and see if the team is in a position to overcome them.

The New England Patriots need an improved receiving corps

The Patriots’ offense performed fairly well in 2021, buoyed by a strong rookie season by quarterback Mac Jones and a solid running game. Jakobi Meyers led the receivers with 83 catches and Kendrick Bourne chipped in with another 55. No other wide receiver contributed much and that was an issue that had to be addressed.

The Patriots attempted to do just that. In a nice and surprising trade with division rival Miami, they secured DeVante Parker, a very good receiver when healthy. Health is a big concern there. If fit, Parker is the Patriots’ best pass-catcher. That acquisition could be a real plus if he can stay on the field.

Secondarily, the team made an uncharacteristic move by drafting a wide receiver high in the draft. They selected speedster Tyquan Thornton from Baylor and traded op to do so in the second round. This was a big investment, and a risky one.

Thornton was projected as more of a fourth-round type and drafting him that high was widely looked upon as a big reach, but obviously not by the Patriots.

That notwithstanding, Thornton has to contribute immediately. If not, that pick was a wasted one. There are no “redshirt” years for second-round picks.

In addition, other than Hunter Henry who had 50 catches and nine touchdowns, the New England Patriots’ tight ends flopped. Much was expected from free agent Jonnu Smith, but little was delivered. Smith has to be better.

In addition, the two 2020 third-round picks from whom much was also expected, Devin Asiasi and Dalton Keene, delivered nothing. Improvement is necessary and Smith is realistically the only place from which it can come. They could use a third tight end who can either block or catch. Now, let’s take a look at two major defensive concerns.