Patriots Offensive Weapons: Worst in NFL?
The New England Patriots offense is going to look different this season. Exactly how different is a question for offensive coordinator Bill O'Brien, but they've shown the readiness to leave last season behind them.
By signing tight end Mike Gesicki and receiver in JuJu Smith-Schuster - and hiring O'Brien - this new-look offense is geared toward helping third-year quarterback Mac Jones regain his 2021 Pro Bowl form.
But just how confident should New England be in its surrounding pieces? ESPN recently ranked them as the No. 26 "offensive arsenal," which includes running backs, tight ends and wide receivers. Comparatively, they ranked in the same spot the year prior and No. 27 in 2021.
"JuJu Smith-Schuster isn't likely to ever live up to that 1,426-yard season from 2018, but the former Steelers and Chiefs wideout can be a tough pass-catcher over the middle of the field," ESPN writes. "Mike Gesicki, a "tight end" in the same way Joe Judge and Matt Patricia were "offensive coaches" last year, should see more snaps in the slot and serve as a useful red zone player."
Despite free agent running back Dalvin Cook hinting at a potential Foxborough signing, New England and head coach Bill Belichick have proven their "love" towards Rhamondre Stevenson. Coming off a career-year, posting 1,040 yards and five touchdowns, the third-year back now has the opportunity to seize his first opportunity as the lead back.
"Stevenson has grown into one of the NFL's most efficient running backs, with fumbles as his only real sticking point," ESPN writes. "With Damien Harris moving on and James Robinson already off the roster before Independence Day, Stevenson has a clear path to his largest workload as a pro. If he can sustain that efficiency and Tyquan Thornton can emerge as the deep threat this team has needed since their yearlong dalliance with Brandin Cooks in 2017, the Patriots should be back on the rise."
With this collection of talent and proven offensive guru in O'Brien, Belichick and Co. could wind up as an AFC East "sleeper" team this season.
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