Courtesy of the New England Patriots
The Patriots offensive line faced a significant test this week in joint practices with the Minnesota Vikings and after two practices, the results were concerning.
While quarterback Drake Maye showed flashes of brilliance and poise, his protection was often lacking, as the Patriots’ offensive line consistently struggled against a talented Vikings defensive front that might be the best in the NFL.
By all accounts, Day 2 of the joint practices was particularly challenging for the offensive line. Reports from reporters in Minnesota noted a significant drop-off in performance for the entire New England offense, with the Vikings’ pass rush, spearheaded by Jonathan Greenard, Andrew Van Ginkel, Jonathan Allen and Dallas Turner causing constant problems. The struggles were particularly noticeable for rookie left tackle Will Campbell, who reportedly gave up multiple “sacks” to Greenard in one-on-one drills.
The issues weren’t limited to the pass game. The Vikings’ run defense, which ranked second in the NFL last year in yards allowed per game, also suffocated the Patriots’ running backs, giving them little room to operate.
While joint practices are designed to be a learning experience and a chance to compete against a new opponent, the performance of the offensive line against a top-tier defensive front is a legitimate cause for concern. The Patriots invested heavily in the offensive line this offseason, bringing in veterans like Morgan Moses and Garrett Bradbury, and drafting two offensive linemen in the top-100. However, the chemistry and cohesion of the unit appear to be a work in progress. They have a long way to go.
The struggles have led to some shuffling on the line, with Ben Brown getting reps with the first-team offense at left guard after rookie Jared Wilson reportedly struggled. This indicates that the competition is far from over and the team is still searching for the right combination of players to protect its franchise quarterback.
The challenges faced in Minnesota serve as a stark reminder that the offensive line remains the biggest question mark for the Patriots’ offense. While Maye’s ability to navigate pressure and make plays was a positive takeaway, the team cannot rely on its young quarterback to constantly escape a collapsing pocket.
As the Patriots head into their second preseason game, the focus will undoubtedly be on the offensive line. The unit needs to show significant improvement in both pass protection and run blocking to instill confidence that the offense can be effective in the regular season. These joint practices with the Vikings were a necessary wake-up call, highlighting the work that still needs to be done. The road to improvement is a long one, but for the Patriots, it’s a journey that must begin now.