The New England Patriots have made multiple significant moves so far this offseason. When focusing on the offensive side of the ball they have increased the number of possible pass catchers considerably. The Patriots offense has been one of the top units in the league for many years now. However, with a large number of injuries piling up towards the end of the 2015-16 season the Patriots struggled to move the ball. It is highly possible that they will bounce back in a huge way. The group of players that will be on the field for the Patriots in September will be very different from the group that fell short in Denver. Adding a second big time tight end will definitely create some interesting match ups in coverage. With injured players returning and the new acquisitions, it is possible the Patriots will have the very best offense in the NFL next season.
The New England Patriots Offense: Best in 2016?
The Patriots increase their offensive firepower
With the trade for Martellus Bennett along with the pick-ups of Chris Hogan and Nate Washington, the Patriots have dramatically improved the number of targets that will be available for Brady next season. Bennett is a big body (6’6″, 270 pounds) tight end that is an incredible athlete. Though Hogan and Washington aren’t huge name guys with tremendous talent, they are reliable and add much needed depth to the receiver position. Last season proved how important depth at receiver is. At times it felt like Brady had nowhere to go with the football. Another name that is new to the offense is guard Jonathan Cooper, a former first round draft choice. He is young and physically talented. Injuries could be a concern but if he remains healthy he will help solidify an offensive line that struggled towards the end of last season.
Players sidelined with injuries that will be returning
Dion Lewis and Nate Solder will be two huge difference makers in 2016. Lewis had an amazing break out season until it ended early with a torn ACL. He is one of the most shifty and quick backs in the league. He fills the role of a pass catcher out of the backfield similar to what Danny Woodhead or Shane Vereen had done in New England. Nate Solder was the anchor of the offensive line. Solder is the tall, athletic, prototype left tackle of today’s NFL. The majority of linemen on the team are relatively young players. Solder’s athleticism and experience was surely missed in the AFC Championship game.
How these pieces will fit together
Solder and Cooper will provide much more stability on the offensive line. This means that we will most likely not see Bryan Stork, a center, playing right tackle next season. He is an impressive young player but that type of positional move mid-season is not ideal.
Hogan and Washington will both see time at receiver. It is most likely that Hogan will take over a Brandon Lafell type role. He is big enough to play on the outside and an underrated athlete. Washington will fill in depending on the amount of receivers on the field. He is an experienced player who should be able to make plays when needed.
With the addition of Bennett, it is extremely likely to see a good amount of double tight-end sets. This allows the Patriots to create a huge amount of mismatches. The defense will have to make a decision on whether they want three linebackers on the field to assist with the run defense or add a defensive back because of the receiving abilities of Gronkowski and Bennett. Because Bennett and Gronk are both terrific run blockers and pass catchers this is going to be a very difficult choice. Brady will likely be able to take advantage of a slow footed linebacker matched up on either of these tremendous athletes.
To make things even more difficult, Lewis is outstanding at catching passes out of the backfield. This means if defenses use their best coverage linebackers or safeties to cover the tight ends, then Lewis may be able to slip out of the backfield for a big catch and run. This all is enough to put defenses in a bind but the Pats also have one of the best slot receivers in the league in Julian Edelman. Tom Brady must be very excited at the moves the organization has made this offseason. If the Pats stay healthy next season, it is highly possible Brady leads these new pieces to become the best offense in the league.
