Despite having one of the best defenses in recent memory, the 2019 New England Patriots failed to make it out of the Wild Card Round for the first time in a decade. The offense was to blame for the relatively underwhelming season, and it’s hard to see that getting better in 2020. According to TouchdownWire, the Patriots have the 26th-best offense in the league heading into the upcoming season.
TouchdownWire Ranks New England Patriots Offense 26th in NFL
Author Mark Schofield acknowledges that it’s strange to have New England at the bottom of a list like this, but “this is a new era in Foxborough.” Schofield justifies this low ranking by identifying Tom Brady’s struggles with N’Keal Harry and Mohamed Sanu. While Brady is obviously no longer in town, Schofield expects presumed starter Jarrett Stidham to struggle with the same weapons.
This ranking feels right, and could even be a little optimistic. Julian Edelman is the only receiver on the team capable of consistently getting open against top competition. N’Keal Harry and Jakobi Meyers both showed flashes as rookies, but neither one is a guarantee to succeed moving forward. Mohamed Sanu, meanwhile, has a long history of being nothing more than a depth receiver.
The Patriots ignored the wide receiver position in the offseason and added tight ends Devin Asiasi and Dalton Keene in the third round of the 2020 NFL Draft. Both players possess interesting traits, but tight ends historically need time before they’re ready to contribute.
Interestingly enough, New England’s low ranking is actually higher than two of their AFC East counterparts. The Miami Dolphins came in at 28th on Schofield’s rankings, while the New York Jets were all the way down at 31. Even the Buffalo Bills aren’t that far ahead of the Patriots, coming in at 23rd on the list.
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