After a long offseason, football is almost back. For the New England Patriots, last season was a welcome surprise, returning to the Super Bowl but falling short in the big game. Week 1 will give the Patriots a Super Bowl rematch, taking on the Seattle Seahawks, but for the best chance to win, the offensive line will need to play much better.
During the playoffs, the offensive line had its fair share of struggles. In the Super Bowl, things only got worse, with Seattle's defensive line wreaking havoc on Drake Maye all game.
With Week 1 being less than a week away, the offensive line is under the most pressure to perform well in the Patriots' season opener.
New England's offensive line is under a ton of pressure
New England saw some big changes during the offseason, but the offensive line is fairly similar to last season, with four returning starters. The right side of the line returns, with Mike Onwenu at right guard and Morgan Moses at right tackle. Will Campbell returns at left tackle. Changes occurred with Jared Wilson returning, but moving from left guard to center(his natural position), and free-agent signing Alijah Vera-Tucker starting at left guard. Doug Marrone also returns as the offensive line coach.
While I do have some concerns about the offensive line, this is far from being a bad offensive line. Having a strong Week 1 performance would go a long way toward easing the nerves of Patriots fans. Though Week 1 can be a tough indicator of the overall team (look at Jerod Mayo winning in Week 1 or last year's team losing to the Las Vegas Raiders to open the season), a loss to Seattle again could linger throughout the season.
In the offseason, New England greatly improved the offense around Maye, adding A.J. Brown and Romeo Doubs. Brown is a true wide receiver 1, and Doubs is a nice number two receiver to complement them. Hunter Henry is still the Patriots' starting tight end and has good chemistry with Maye.
As much as this should improve the offense, none of the additions will be able to make the impact they can if the offensive line can't protect their star quarterback. Keeping Maye healthy is the key to a successful season, and the offensive line is the key to that. If they play as poorly as they did in the Super Bowl, it will be a long season for the Patriots.
Week 1 of the NFL will be different this season, with the opening game being played on a Wednesday instead of a Thursday. New England starts the season in Seattle against the Seahawks on Wednesday, September 9. For Patriots fans, all eyes offensively will be on the play of the offensive line.
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