Punch-less Patriots: Offense Needs Bold Trade For Bengals' Star WR?
Not that the New England Patriots showcased their No. 1 offense during a mostly punch-less preseason, but the numbers are startling:
*Quarterbacks Mac Jones, Bailey Zappe, Trace McSorley and Malik Cunningham combined to complete only 40 of 70 passes (57 percent) for just one touchdown - a 42-yard run-and-catch from Zappe to rookie receiver Kayshon Boutte.
*New receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster caught one pass, for one yard.
*New tight end Mike Gesicki didn't make a catch. Same for returning tight end Hunter Henry, and veteran receiver DeVante Parker.
*The Pats' receiver with the most catches this preseason is now an ex-Patriot, with Tre Nixon and his four grabs cut last week.
New offensive coordinator Bill O'Brien certainly didn't unveil his entire system during New England's three games - Jones played only three series - but the team did also nothing to slow the narrative that their weapons can't keep up in the explosive AFC East.
The Buffalo Bills boast an elite receiver in Stefon Diggs, the New York Jets have Garrett Wilson and the Miami Dolphins can throw the ball to Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle. If they make no more roster tweaks, the Patriots will enter their Sept. 10 against the Philadelphia Eagles without a feature receiver and more so a committee of average-to-above-average weapons.
Since the DeAndre Hopkins ship long ago sailed and the Ezekiel Elliott element has yet to be revealed, what can the Pats do to add juice to an offense besieged by bland playmakers and an absolute mess of an offensive line?
According to Bleacher Report, they should make a bold trade for Tee Higgins.
With the Cincinnati Bengals poised to have to pay big money to quarterback Joe Burrow and star receiver Ja'Marr Chase, Higgins might be the odd man out.
Writes Bleacher Report: "It gets hard to see the Bengals being able to fit their three offensive stars under the cap while still building a contender."
Cincy has 38 players, including Higgins, set to hit free agency after this season. The suggested solution to both teams' problems: The Patriots trade for Higgins, in exchange for their 2024 first-round draft pick.
Seems a steep price for a player who was drafted in the second round and has never been a No. 1 receiver. But over his first three seasons Higgins has averaged 71 catches, 1,009 yards and six touchdowns. On this Patriots' roster, that qualifies as a lead receiver worth dealing for.
But, knowing Bill Belichick, the prudent Pats will be patient and hope to land Higgins when he hits the free-agent market in 2024.
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