The season is approaching. The editorial staff of DNA of Sports invites you to take stock of the strengths and weaknesses of the 32 franchises. Today, the New England Patriots 2023. You can find all the presentations by clicking on this link.
The Patriots have missed the playoffs in two of the last three seasons. In this situation, some franchises would be content to have reached the postseason at least once in three years. Not New England. It must be said that the standards are very high in Massachusetts.
In 2023, the objective will therefore be to find the playoffs for Bill Belichick and his band, despite a workforce that still has shortcomings.
Last season: 8 wins – 9 losses, 3rd in AFC East
Movements in the off-season
Notable arrivals: Juju Smith-Schuster (WR), Riley Reiff (RT), Mike Gesicki (TE), Calvin Anderson (LT), Chris Board (LB), Trey Flowers (EDGE), Ezekiel Elliott (RB)…
Re-signings: Jonathan Jones (CB), Ja’Whaun Bentley (LB), DeVante Parker (WR), Matt Judon (EDGE), Jabrill Peppers (S), Myles Bryant (CB), Matt Slater (WR), Jalen Mills (BC).
Draft: Christian Gonzalez (CB), Keion White (DE), Marte Mapu (LB), Jake Andrews (C), Chad Ryland (K), Sidy Sow (G), Atonio Mafi (G), Kayshon Boutte (WR), Bryce Baringer (P), Demario Douglas (WR/PR), Ameer Speed (CB), Isaiah Bolden (CB/PK).
Notable losses: Jakobi Meyers (WR), Jonnu Smith (TE), Nelson Agholor (WR), Isaiah Wynn (RT), Damien Harris (RB), Jake Bailey (P)…
After a very eventful offseason before fiscal 2022, the Patriots returned to their habits at the start of the year. The workforce has simply been modified in small steps. Bill Belichick initially kept some important elements, especially in defense. Jonathan Jones was re-signed, as were Ja’Whaun Bentley and Jabrill Peppers. Matt Judon was not satisfied with his situation and the dispute was quickly settled, with a raise for the pass-rusher.
A few players, however, had to pack their bags. Jakobi Meyers left for Las Vegas. Damien Harris, Isaiah Wynn and Nelson Agholor have also chosen to pursue their careers with rivals AFC. Finally Jonnu Smith was sent to Atlanta in an exchange, validating the casting error for the former Titans tight end.
To replace all these beautiful people, no madness for BB. Juju Smith-Schuster has been signed. The offense then saw the reinforcements of Riley Reiff and Calvin Anderson on the line as well as Mike Gesicki, the Dolphins’ incoming tight end. Among the running backs, Rhamondre Stevenson will now be supported by Ezekiel Elliott signed a few days ago. Finally, Trey Flowers takes on the role of the traditional ex-Patriots player who returns home after mixed experiences elsewhere.
Finally, the defense was also a central point, but in the draft this time. It’s simple, the first three picks of the leaders headed this side of the ball with Christian Gonzalez, Keion White and Marte Mapu.
The strong points)
There is one thing that cannot be taken away from Bill Belichick: he knows how to coach a defense. And even if his son, Steve, and Jerod Mayo are officially the defensive coordinators of this team, we know very well that the head coach will put his paw there. A squad that should be one of the strengths of this squad. THE front seven is one of the most effective in the NFL. With Matt Judon and Josh Uche, the Pats have a pass-rusher duo that can worry many quarterbacks.
A pair to which we must add, among others, Lawrence Guy, Deatriche Wise and Christian Barmore who will come to lay the foundations of this defensive solidity. The bottom of the field meanwhile does not lack talent, despite the retirement of Devin McCourty. Jabrill Peppers stayed and will continue to form an extremely complementary duo with Kyle Dugger in the safeties. Among the cornerbacks, it will be necessary to observe the emergence of the rookie Christian Gonzalez.
On the other side of the ball, the offensive line should be one of the satisfactions of the season. Despite some irregularity in 2022, the squad remains very solid. Whether on the inside with Cole Strange, David Andrews and Mike Onwenu or on the outside with the pair of tackles Trent Brown – Riley Reiff, the lives of quarterback Mac Jones and running back Rhamondre Stevenson should be made easier.
The weak spots)
If the offensive line should help Mac Jones, the receivers really shouldn’t. When we look at the group of ball catchers, we realize that it is not really dreaming among the Pats. In the offseason, New England let go of its best player on the job, Jakobi Meyers, to recover Juju Smith-Schuster. Not sure the Patriots won the change.
DeVante Parker still can’t seem to stay healthy long term and Kendrick Bourne hasn’t exploded like one might have imagined. On the tight end side, Hunter Henry finished the season better in 2022, but he has not yet brought full satisfaction, while Mike Gesicki must adapt to the system. As you will have understood, the aerial offensive game in the Patriots is once again likely to be the main weakness of this franchise.
X Factor: Bill O’Brien (Offensive Coordinator)
Last year, Matt Patricia’s experience as offensive coordinator was unanimously described as a mistake. The technician, returned from Detroit, failed to make this attack work. Symbol of these difficulties, Mac Jones did not progress last season. Worse, it even regressed. It therefore became urgent to change the coordinator. To replace Patricia, Bill Belichick chose another elder from the house. Bill O’Brien arrives from Alabama and has already spent several seasons in the staff of BB (from 2007 to 2011) including as offensive coordinator in 2011.
Is it a stroke of genius from Belichick or the symbol of a coach who tirelessly turns to the same people at the risk of being overtaken by this modern NFL? The 2023 season should give us some answers. Bill O’Brien must (re)change Mac Jones and make this attack perform, despite these weaknesses. The future of the two Bills could well be linked because the quality of one will depend on that of the other.
Player to watch: Ezekiel Elliott (RB)
He’s clearly not the player he used to be. If few teams wanted to try the Ezekiel Elliott bet, it’s because the runner has lost his luster. Still, the Patriots took that (limited) risk. A bet that could pay off. In an attack where he will clearly not be the number 1 option on the ground, the former Cowboy could be preserved and keep his freshness all season long.
His burst of speed now leaves something to be desired, but his ability to rack up short wins could be useful to the Patriots. He also remains one of the most successful runners in pass protection. Behind Rhamondre Stevenson, Ezekiel Elliott no longer has the potential to change the face of this attack. However, he can bring another dimension and a very credible threat if he manages to stay in shape.
2023 New England Patriots Schedule
Eagles, Dolphins, @Jets, @Cowboys, Saints, @Raiders, Bills, @Dolphins, Commanders, Colts (in Frankfurt), BYE, @Giants, Chargers, @Steelers, Chiefs, @Broncos, @Bills and Jets.
The audio preview of the podcast
In summary
In the heart of one of the most raised divisions of the league, the Patriots are not varnished. Behind the Bills, Jets and Dolphins, New England is considered the fourth team in the AFC East. And even if we should never bury Bill Belichick, the offensive difficulties of the franchise could force the Pats to live the same season as last year.
The playoffs seem far and Bill Belichick does not seem to want to renew.
