While the Patriots take a few well-earned days off of rest, let's look at five key questions facing the Patriots once they get back for the final four games. (BSJ members, leave your looming questions in the comments and I may mix them in.)
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One of the more fascinating evolutions to watch with every Patriots team is how their different packages evolve on both sides of the ball. As opposed to other teams, who just do what they do and often find themselves beholden to high-priced free agents and high draft picks, the Patriots don't care where the players came from. All they care about is what the player does well, and how to fit them into the greater fabric of the team.
The Patriots are constantly evolving. What they thought might be the case in training camp often changes when it comes to the regular season. It's part of the reason why I said the first four games don't mean much when it comes to the Patriots, and with just three preseason games, you could make the argument that it would be pushed to a six-game trial run. Well, the Patriots started 2-4 and have won seven straight so...
Just look at their offensive line.
When the season started, there was virtually no chance Ted Karras would get meaning full time on the offensive line without injury. Mike Onwenu earned the right to start at left guard off his rookie year and camp, and he started the first four games there. But once injuries hit and Karras got a chance to play at RG, the Patriots changed stream and made him a starter at LG over Onwenu in Week 7, and he hasn't left. Meanwhile, Onwenu has been the sixth offensive line once Trent Brown returned from injury.
The question remains ... are the Patriots a finished product? Have they settled on everything? The answer also goes to possible additions on the waiver wire as we go forward.
First of all, let's start here.
I think the Patriots love the makeup of this team. When they made their various additions via the spending spree, one of the things that impressed me the most talking to league contacts was that all of the players checked out as good teammates and workers. I think the Patriots, wisely, bypassed some better talents to add players who would fit well in their locker room. While I do think the first year is a bit of a honeymoon period for new additions, I think the Patriots knocked it out of the park in this regard and it's a big reason why the team has come together — as some past spending sprees from other teams (like the Eagles' Dream Team). NFL teams are not in the talent acquisition business, they are in the team-building business. The two are very different and the reason why so many NFL teams never really compete.
I do not think the Patriots are interested in upsetting their apple cart and won't just entertain adding anyone via waivers unless there is an injury that makes them desperate. Former Texans LB Zach Cunningham was released and claimed by the Titans, but I don't think the Patriots would have much interest because he was a problem and benched with the Texans. Plus, the Patriots added Jamie Collins and while he's not perfect and his attention to detail can be hit and miss, the devil you know is often better than the devil you don't know.
With that said, let's look at some of the position groups and see what is still left to shake out:
RUNNING BACK
With Rhamondre Stevenson back on the program (there were some typical rookie issues early) and Brandon Bolden having regained the step he lost with his Covid year, I think the Patriots are just fine with their RB room of Damien Harris, Stevenson, Bolden and JJ Taylor. Ideally, Taylor takes another step at some point and gives them another playmaker — he has that potential — but the situation is far from dire. Plus, all three of the top backs have shown they can make plays in the passing game. They're all covering for the loss of James White.
RECEIVERS/TIGHT END
The roles are clearly defined here. Nelson Agholor is the deep threat, Jakobi Meyers is a slow slot but valuable, Kendrick Bourne is a gadget playmaker, and N'Keal Harry is a power forward when needed. This group has more room to grow the more they practice and play with Mac Jones. There's still more to the ceiling here.
Hunter Henry is the third down/red zone specialist. Jonnu Smith is the blocker who leaves much to be desired and may be playing through an injury that has affected him. He occasionally makes a play, but by this time we know he's not a difference-maker as he battles the ball on every reception. He's a contributor and there's nothing wrong with that.
OFFENSIVE LINE
If it ain't broke, don't try to fix it. That seems to be the motto here. The Karras/Onwenu swap has stabilized a unit that underachieved the first half of the season. Karras is experienced, smart, tough and physical. Onwenu can be all that and more, but the pace of play on the interior in the NFL takes some getting used to (Marcus Cannon couldn't do, but he was a very good RT). I see no reason to switch things up right now. Yes, Onwenu has a higher ceiling, but the o-line is about consistency. Brown has had some issues the past couple of weeks, so you never know when his calf could become an issue again. I'd keep training Owenu at RT so if there's an issue with Brown, he can seamlessly slip in and keep a very high level of play.
DEFENSIVE LINE
The Patriots have figured out that their best run defense is NT Carl Davis, DE Davon Godchaux and DE Lawrence Guy. Took a while, but that much is clear. Against a team that is not run-based and doesn't have a great offensive line, Christian Barmore is an option as is (sigh) Deatrich Wise (it's nothing against Wise, he's just not a 3-4 DE). Daniel Ekuale gives them more beef in running games.
Matthew Judon never comes off the field, for good reason, but the Patriots may need to rotate him more. He's looked tired the past few games and desperately needed the bye week. I would not overuse him. He's too valuable and a legit DPOY candidate. Kyle Van Noy and Dont'a Hightower usually rotate on the other side, which has pushed Chase Winovich, Josh Uche and Ronnie Perkins way down the play-time list. They have little chance to elevate themselves without an injury.
LINEBACKER
Ja'Whaun Bentley has made himself back into an every-down linebacker, although he will be a matchup issue against some teams. Jahlani Tavai and Harvey Langi are subpackage linebackers for Hightower when Jamie Collins is not available. Collins has had a very limited role when he's healthy (has maxed out at 27 percent snaps), and I'm not sure if that changes. He has definitely slowed down from his younger years. That could be one missing piece that could evolve as he practices more.
Cameron McGrone had the clock start after ACL surgery, but it'd be a shock if did anything this season with no camp.
SECONDARY
When all three safeties are healthy — and we'll have to see about Adrian Phillips — it was cut and dry that Devin McCourty was the free safety, Kyle Dugger was in the box against a tight end, and Phillips was the robber, which he's always excelled in back to his Chargers days. They all play a ton. Sean Davis gets elevated from the practice squad if they're short a safety. Rookie Joshuah Bledsoe had the clock start off IR and could be an option to be brought along slowly instead of Davis, especially if Phillips misses time. His injury was only a wrist so it's not like he's coming back from knee surgery. Still, he's very, very green and at-best you'd hope for a few packages but that's very iffy. That's a trust spot.
At corner, it's JC Jackson, Jalen Mills and Myles Bryant in the slot. Joejuan Williams gets a few snaps in dime and would be the next man up (gulp). Haven't seen much from rookie Shaune Wade.