{"id":94757,"date":"2020-09-17T19:12:15","date_gmt":"2020-09-17T23:12:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/?p=94757"},"modified":"2020-09-17T19:12:15","modified_gmt":"2020-09-17T23:12:15","slug":"new-england-patriots-week-2-three-improvements-they-must-make-ahead-of-seattle-seahawks-matchup","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/2020\/09\/17\/new-england-patriots-week-2-three-improvements-they-must-make-ahead-of-seattle-seahawks-matchup\/","title":{"rendered":"New England Patriots Week 2: Three Improvements They Must Make Ahead of Seattle Seahawks Matchup"},"content":{"rendered":"

The New England Patriots<\/a> beat the Miami Dolphins<\/a> with a comfortable 21-11 win at Gillette Stadium on Sunday and there was a collective sigh of relief from fans everywhere.<\/p>\n

After one of the most tumultuous off-seasons in recent memory, all eyes were on the reigning AFC East champions to see how they would fare against their fiercest division rivals.<\/p>\n

And given there was little-to-no pre-season, the new-look New England Patriots showed incredible promise. But they will need to be altogether a stronger, more synchronized unit if they are to head to Seattle and get the W.<\/p>\n

New England Patriots Week 2: Three Improvements They Must Make Ahead of Seattle Seahawks Matchup<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Cam Newton<\/a> and the Passing Game<\/b><\/strong><\/h3>\n

On Sunday, Cam Newton<\/a><\/strong> looked good. He looked better than good. He brought a whole new dimension to the Patriots\u2019 offense.<\/p>\n

Newton had 15 carries for 75 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns. He had the most rushing yards of any franchise quarterback since Steve Grogan<\/a><\/strong> in 1977.<\/p>\n

And the 45 rushing attempts by six different players meant their play-action game was an effective weapon, producing 217 yards.<\/p>\n

But although 155 yards is by no means a miserable statistic, if Cam can strengthen his connection with the receiving corps, he could become a lethal dual-threat that keeps opposing defenses guessing.<\/p>\n

And they will need that in Seattle who will be more prepared for Cam on the move and have a talented linebacker corps including K.J. Wright<\/a><\/strong> and Bobby Wagner<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

The passing game will be in higher demand this week and he may be expected to do more than hit his receivers on shallow crosses and slants.<\/p>\n

Although Julian Edelman<\/a><\/strong> looked like his usual self, N’Keal Harry<\/a>‘<\/strong>s performance left a lot to be desired and the tight ends were an afterthought.<\/p>\n

The Patriots will need to strengthen and diversify their passing game at CenturyLink Field.<\/p>\n

The New England Patriots Passing Defense<\/b><\/strong><\/h3>\n

As one of the most formidable units in the league, the New England Patriots secondary wasted little time getting a start on their interceptions tally for the year with three on Sunday.<\/p>\n

That said, Defensive Player of the Year Stephon Gilmore<\/a><\/strong> had an up and down day with an early interception but two very costly pass interference penalties later on, something talented wideout D.K. Metcalf<\/a><\/strong> could capitalize on in this week\u2019s matchup.<\/p>\n

The Patriots will also have to contain a relentless Russell Wilson<\/a><\/strong> whose mobility makes him, at times, impossible to stop.<\/p>\n

The New England Patriots without Kyle Van Noy<\/a><\/strong>, Jamie Collins<\/a><\/strong>, Elandon Roberts<\/a>,<\/strong> and Danny Shelton<\/a><\/strong> and so the defensive side of the ball has a completely different look and feel than last season.<\/p>\n

They did OK in the opener with Derek Rivers<\/a><\/strong> recording the team\u2019s sole sack and Chase Winovich<\/a><\/strong> settling into his more senior role after the off-season departures.<\/p>\n

But Ryan Fitzpatrick<\/a><\/strong>, who is not as talented as Wilson, was still able to put up 191 yards through the air and 18 yards on the ground and faced only mild pressure.<\/p>\n

The defensive unit as a whole held Miami to only 11 points but they will need to be elite if they are going to stop Russell Wilson<\/a><\/strong> and the Seahawks.<\/p>\n

The New England Patriots Kicking Game<\/b><\/strong><\/h3>\n

This is where New England has a big problem. With a new-look outfit and an offense that is being reshaped around a new quarterback for the first time in 20 years, the Patriots can simply not afford to leave points on the field.<\/p>\n

While Nick Folk<\/a><\/strong> was able to convert each of the touchdown\u2019s extra points, he missed a 45-yard field goal that would have put the Patriots seven points clear in what, at that stage, was a tightly contested match-up.<\/p>\n

What\u2019s more – he didn\u2019t just miss. It was an ugly miss that showed little promise of a trusted kicker who can clinch games under pressure.<\/p>\n

He was initially dropped back to the practice squad but has since been signed to the 53-man squad so it looks like he will be kicking for New England in Seattle.<\/p>\n

The Patriots have relied on two veteran kickers for the duration of their dynasty – Adam Vinatieri<\/a><\/strong> and Stephen Gostkowski<\/a><\/strong>, who departed at the end of last season.<\/p>\n

So it\u2019s fair to say there are big shoes to fill and Folk will be expected to build on his performance if he is to stay as their number one kicker.<\/p>\n

Perhaps it was opening day nerves, but the New England Patriots will need to solidify the kicking position to give them the added security on Sunday.<\/p>\n

For all the latest NFL news and analysis, visit the Last Word on Pro Sports Facebook page<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Embed from Getty Images<\/a>