The Patriots are officially playoff-bound for the first time in four years.
And unlike the 2021 season, it feels like they actually stand a chance this postseason.
Patriots fans have questions about how to add depth to the current roster and what moves the team must make this offseason. Read below for this week’s Patriots mailbag.
@DavidFallon954: How careful should the Pats be with letting guys get healthy with the next two games and a probable bye without risking losing one of the next two games?
Given the Patriots’ current injury situation, they don’t really have enough players on their 53-man roster to be careful over the next two games.
Whoever is healthy will have to play with three players — TreVeyon Henderson, Kayshon Boutte and Jared Wilson — in concussion protocol and seven more — DeMario Douglas, Morgan Moses, Thayer Munford, Khyiris Tonga, Robert Spillane, Carlton Davis and Charles Woods — dealing with potential injuries.
It’s all hands on deck as the Patriots try to win the AFC East against the Jets and Dolphins.
@AndrewTurmer: What are the ruthless decisions that need to be taken next year to elevate this group? A better defensive coordinator? Upgrading Boutte? More talent on the O-line despite a settled group doing a solid job?
Definitely curious to see what happens at defensive coordinator. Given the circumstances, I think Zak Kuhr has done a solid job after being elevated from inside linebackers coach. First things first, the Patriots will need to figure out Terrell Williams’ health situation, how much he can handle and if it’s better for him to take on more of an advisory role.
A former Patriots defensive coordinator, Shane Bowen, is currently available after being fired by the Giants. So, he could enter the fray, as well. The Patriots’ defense certainly hasn’t been perfect, but the team is 12-3, they don’t have the greatest depth, and Christian Gonzalez, Milton Williams and Robert Spillane have all missed time.
As for the wide receiver group, I think there could be an upgrade in the starting unit, whether that’s at Kayshon Boutte or Mack Hollins’ expense. It could be giving more snaps to Kyle Williams, or perhaps the Patriots could look outside the organization in the draft or free agency. But let’s not forget that Drake Maye is having an MVP-caliber season with the current group. It’s a deep group of pass-catchers, and I wouldn’t necessarily call it a weakness.
I also think the offensive line is doing a nice job this season, but Morgan Moses will be another year older, and the Patriots ultimately need to figure out if Jared Wilson is going to be a center or a guard.
It’s simple and kind of boring, but the Patriots just need to get more talented across the board. Outside linebacker, inside linebacker and safety are positions that I would address. The Patriots also could look to add a solid young tight end to develop behind Hunter Henry.
@jordsmith897561: With Henderson concussed, do you think we need to snag another RB? I am worried he’ll miss a week or two and not sure DJ can handle much.. Granted we do have 2 very winnable games coming up, but thinking it might be better to have more depth for playoffs rather than just Corbin
You had a very good idea. The Patriots signed veteran running back Elijah Mitchell to their practice squad on Tuesday. Mitchell, 27, has plenty of experience to serve as a speedy depth option behind Rhamondre Stevenson to pair with D’Ernest Johnson as a backup.
His best season came in 2021 when he was a rookie with the 49ers, rushing 207 times for 963 yards with five touchdowns. Injuries have slowed him down since, but now he gets a potential opportunity down the stretch for the Patriots before Henderson returns.
The Patriots also could decide that Mitchell is a better third running back than Johnson even after Henderson passes through concussion protocol.
@jordsmith897561: Do you think Spillane and MW coming back 100% for the playoffs would tighten up the run D close to what we saw in first half of the season? Or are there other glaring issues now exposed that will be our downfall regardless of them coming back healthy?
The Patriots’ run defense might not be as dominant as they were the first 10 weeks of the season even after Milton Williams and Robert Spillane return, but it should be significantly better.
Just a reminder, the Patriots’ run defense ranked fourth in rush EPA (expected points added) and eighth in rush success rate until Week 11, when Williams suffered an ankle injury. Since Week 11, they rank 29th and 31st in those two categories.
In the last two weeks, when Williams and Spillane have been out, they rank 30th and 27th.
It sounds almost too simple to say that the injuries to Williams and Spillane are the only causes for the Patriots’ run defense struggles, but it truly might be the case. The Patriots shut down some good rushing attacks (Bills, Steelers, Dolphins, Panthers) before Williams got hurt.
@xavierstarr26: Where does Mondre rank as a pass blocking back? He never seems to miss an assignment. Just curious.
He ranks 7th out of 69 qualified running backs with a 67.1 pass-blocking grade. He’s let up just one QB hit and three pressures on 80 pass-blocking snaps.
In comparison, Henderson ranks 67th with a 22.3 grade. He’s allowed three sacks and seven hurries in 38 opportunities.
@Kid_From_Quincy: Can you identify 3 free agents that would make sense for the Patriots to target in the offseason? #MailDoug
The big-name free agents rarely come available, and it’s hard to predict who will re-sign, but edge defender Arden Key (Titans), wide receiver Wan’Dale Robinson and safety Kamren Curl would be solid additions.
