The Patriots were trounced, 47-17, in the Wild Card Round against the Bills and that game exposed several important areas that New England needs to address. This is part four of a four-part series centered on the four most important areas that the Patriots need to improve. Part four focuses on offensive line.
In 2021, as in previous seasons, the Patriots offensive line was one of the strengths of the team. Mac Jones was sacked 28 times last season, which was tied for third fewest in the NFL. New England ran for 2151 yards, which was eighth best in the league. The key moment was when New England inserted Ted Karras at starting left guard in Week 5. The Patriots offensive line was solid before that, but really got into a groove as one of the better units in the league after the change. Unfortunately, reports emerged on Monday that Karras will leaving New England to join the Bengals in free agency.
Going forward, the Patriots do have some significant questions to answer along their offensive line. Trent Brown, who started at right tackle when healthy, is a free agent and starting left tackle Isaiah Wynn is in the final year of his deal. Both have battled injuries throughout their careers as well. Karras is also a free agent while Shaq Mason has two years left on his deal. Michael Onwenu was one of the best rookies in the NFL in 2020 and could replace Brown if he departs in free agency, but that still leaves the Patriots with an open spot at left guard and a long-term question mark at left tackle.
If Brown is brought back, the Patriots may move on from Wynn and have Onwenu take whichever spot is open, either right or left tackle. It is interesting to note that although Onwenu came into the NFL as a guard, he has played best at tackle. With Karras gone, the most natural fit for Onwenu is back at guard, but a lot will hinge on Brown’s situation. Justin Herron is another option to have an increased role after playing snaps as a replacement in 2021. Yodny Cajuste, a third-round pick in 2019, is a question mark and has been unable to play significant snaps thus far in his career. Of the potential replacements, Onwenu is the only sure bet.
On the surface, offensive line is a strength for the Patriots and will continue to be in 2022. However, it is one of the most important units on the team and long term there are some question marks. New England does not need to pour as many resources into the offensive line as they do cornerback and receiver, but it would behoove the Patriots to use at least one middle to late round pick on the offensive line and perhaps more than one. It’s better to be early than late at every position, but that is especially true to for the unit tasked with protecting Mac Jones.