This is going to be a semi-regular feature. Basically, I comb the comment section for questions/points that interest me about the Patriots, and I'll answer/expound on them. This one I answered in an upcoming pod, but I think it's an interesting topic that should be expounded upon.
From JChalifour:
What if we still don’t have a WR who can win outside the numbers?
Kind of related to question 1: Will the Patriots be able to create more big plays on offense?
So this delves into a couple of areas that seem to preoccupy some fans, so it's a good one to address.
First of all, I think the Patriots have someone in Nelson Agholor that can and should win outside the numbers. Now, he had better numbers last year between the hashes, but that doesn't mean the same will carry over to a Patriots offense that is different than most. And it leaves out a big component.
PFF
To be clear Agholor worked outside the numbers a lot in the Patriots' minicamp. Looking at what he did with the Raiders — in an old-school West Coast offense — is not comparable. While both systems pride themselves on being strong horizontally and with space, the Patriots are on another level. It's the backbone of the system: use spacing to get people open, not just individuals.
You also have N'Keal Harry and the back-shoulder pass which, in theory, should win outside the numbers. Again, in theory. I'm not saying that will happen.
Other factors with "winning outside the numbers":
- Winning outside the numbers is about No. 3 on the list of importance for this offense.
You're rarely ever going to have everything you want in the salary cap era. Patriots are in the top half of offensive line spending. They're second in tight ends, 14th in running backs and they're in the bottom half of receivers.
This team is going to win with defense (they have the highest-paid defense in the league; middle of the road on offense), running the ball behind a very good offensive line and using the tight ends as the conduit for the passing offense. Winning outside the numbers is nice, but it's not necessary.
- It's a misnomer that only players get open on the outside. That's very rare, and outside of Randy Moss, the Patriots have never really had that.
The Patriots use the scheme — especially when they have tight ends peppering the middle of the field — to open things on the outside.
And they also, and this to me is a very important if underrated factor in the Mac Jones/Cam Newton debate, use playaction to create a lot of space in all areas of the field. This, to me, is an area where Newton can't hold a candle to Jones and it was an issue with last year's passing game. Newton has never been a good playfaker. Now, his legs helped him, especially in the early part of the season, but as it wore on and opponents were less fearful of his legs, this caused issues.
I remember one game distinctly, I think it was the Dolphins late, where the Patriots had Newton under center and he had a playfake, and the linebackers were already sprinting to their drops — totally unafraid of Newton's fake. That takes away a ton of throwing options underneath.
Now, put Jones under center for that and he executes one of his playfakes, and you get the linebackers to jump and now you have space between the linebackers and safeties, and on the outside with the corners worried about tackling in the run game.
And this all funnels into the big play part of things ...
As bad as the Patriots were last year, as untalented as they were on offense ... they were still 13th in explosive play rate (12th in runs, 19th in pass).
In 2019, Tom Brady's last season, they were 15th overall; 9th in '18, 10th in '17, 14th in '16.
Big plays are not essential in the Patriots team concept (how many other teams spend/put a focus on special teams like them?), but they are nice and make things easier. Patriots have won titles with big play percentages worse than last season.
But the Patriots were 13th last year and they brought in two receivers and two tight ends ... they should easily be in the top 10 this year, or that money was largely a waste.
So, no, I'm not worried about winning outside the numbers or big plays — their spending/personnel changes should have helped immensely in those areas.
What other Patriots thoughts keep you awake at night? Drop them in the comments and I could pick yours to debate.
PATRIOTS ANNOUNCE INITIAL CAMP DATES OPEN TO PUBLIC
Four weeks from today, the New England Patriots will conduct their first training session in front of fans in nearly two years when they open training camp on Wednesday, July 28 on the practice fields behind Gillette Stadium. The Patriots also confirmed open practices on Thursday, July 29, Friday, July 30 and Saturday, July 31. Exact times will be updated on the Patriots training camp website, and on the Patriots and Gillette Stadium apps once times are confirmed in the days leading into training camp. In addition, the Patriots announced that they will host two practices inside Gillette Stadium. The first will be the annual event for Season Ticket Members and Foxborough residents on Friday, Aug. 6. The team will also host an in-stadium practice on Tuesday, Aug. 10 for the general public. Other dates and times for training camp practices will be announced at a later date and posted on the training camp website.
All outdoor practice sessions are open to the public and free to attend. Due to NFL/NFLPA COVID-19 protocols, Patriots players will not be allowed to sign autographs or pose for photos with fans at training camp this year. Training camp will be conducted in compliance with all state and local regulations and the NFL/NFLPA COVID-19 protocols. While face coverings are optional, unvaccinated guests are encouraged to wear them while attending practice sessions.