As the 2019 Patriots offense continues to morph, the run game has become less relevant

What we saw from the Pats offense in 2018 hasn't translated, which means their offense has resorted back to being pass-friendly.

The New England Patriots' latest Super Bowl run was thanks in part to something their offense did that hasn't happened in a long time - they ran the ball a lot and effectively. 

With one of the best offensive lines in the NFL, an incredible run-blocking tight end (i.e. Rob Gronkowski) and a first round running back in Sony Michel, the Patriots averaged 38.2 rushing attempts per game in last year's postseason. Michel accounted for 23.7 of those attempts each game, and averaged an astounding 4.7 yards per carry, which resulted in 338 yards and six touchdowns. 

zHeading into the 2019 season, the expectation was that New England, though they no longer had their Hall of Fame tight end, would be able to build upon their postseason performance and showcase an improved running game. 

Well...that didn't happen. 

After several injuries to the offensive line, two of which resulted in IR designations (LT Isaiah Wynn (turf toe) and C David Andrews (blood clots)), the team now has three backup offensive lineman in starting roles, two of which will be in those roles for the foreseeable future. Fullback James Develin was placed on IR on Monday with a neck injury, so the team has called upon the services of practice squad member Jakob Johnson to try and replace Develin for a minimum of eight weeks. 

The result - through three games, the Patriots are averaging 30.3 rushing attempts per game, which has translated to 291 yards, a 3.1 yards per carry average out of the backfield, and four touchdowns. Michel has rushed for a total of 45 times for 112 yards (2.4 YPC) and two touchdowns. 

However, New England is undefeated heading into Week 4 against the division rival Buffalo Bills, and they have blown out every opponent in their way so far (Pittsburgh Steelers, Miami Dolphins, New York Jets) by a total score of 106-17. 

That's because quarterback Tom Brady has been off to a hot start; through three games, the 42 year old has completed 75-of-110 passes (68%) for 904 yards (301/game) for seven touchdowns and zero interceptions. His average QBR over that span was 114.9. It also helps that the Patriots defense has been tremendously elite - but this is an offense-based article, so let's focus on that. 

"I think the goal for us is not to replicate what we did last year; it’s to try to figure out how we can be the best version of ourselves this year with the personnel that we have playing and available for us each week this season," said Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels during Monday's conference call with the media. "So, we’re not going to try to force somebody to do something that somebody else did last year if they’re not suited for it. We’ll try to figure out how to use their strengths to their advantage and to our team’s advantage, and try to go out there and be productive offensively with what we have now."

McDaniels did not lie during this segment of his conference call. New England morphs their offense and defense based on what their player's strengths are, which is why they always get the most out of their players, even if they aren't the most talented. 

Because of a banged up offensive line and the departure of their HOF tight end, the Patriots are now finding out very quickly that their run game success is something to be desired in 2019. That is why the team opted to pass heavily against the Steelers, Dolphins, and Jets, which all have top 10 worst passing defenses in the NFL through three weeks of play. 

The shift in personality for New England's offense is taking shape right in front of us. You can make the argument that it's been happening since the lead up to their Week 2 game against Miami when they signed Antonio Brown. A shift in identity required a bit more talent in their receiver room, so bringing in Brown seemed like the best idea (now we know that wasn't the case). 

Going forward, even without Brown it looks like the coaching staff will put their trust in Brady being able throw the football 30+ times a game. The run game will be a staple of the offense and will have its successes over the course of the season, but it won't be as prominent as we thought it would be. 

Follow Devon Clements on Twitter @DevClemNFL.