What has been the issue with the Patriots' run game in 2023? - Patriots Mailbag (10/1)

Answering questions submitted by Twitter followers. #NestTalks

By Andrew Guindon (PGS Nest)

Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images

---

"Why is our run game failing? ~ @KatzumiNFL

There is no question that the New England offense has struggled to produce on the ground to start the young season, but failing would not be the correct terminology to use as we saw hopeful improvements from that aspect of the offense last Sunday when they squared off against the Jets.

Nonetheless, their struggles with play execution and communication throughout the offensive front are apparent. Causing these disruptions are constant changes within New England's offensive line each game, and important starters like Mike Onwenu and Cole Strange missing most of training camp. These struggles led to poor run-blocking performances from the offensive line, with rarely any run holes being created for Rhamondre Stevenson and Ezekiel Elliott to run through.

On the bright side, as mentioned earlier, the run blocking from the offensive line did improve last week at MetLife Stadium, with Elliott playing his best game of the year and Stevenson performing as well. The front five continued to have slight issues with play execution, forcing Stevenson and Elliott to create their own holes to run through at times, but nonetheless, their performance leaves some optimism heading into week four in Dallas. The Patriots will need to make improvements as the season continues, as they will likely need to rely on the run game to win and close out games.

---

"What WR do we go after at the trade deadline?" ~ @k_roberts48

Trades for impact wide receivers at the trade deadline rarely happen. The last time the NFL saw an acquisition like that, aside from the Jaguars acquiring Calvin Ridley in 2022, was when the 49ers acquired Emmanuel Sanders from the Broncos in 2019. The last time the Patriots made a trade for a wide receiver at the trade deadline was when they acquired Isaiah Ford in 2020. Not exactly an impact player...

With Tyquan Thornton most likely returning in a week or so, the Patriots receiver room will become even more crowded than it already is. However, New England is typically active during the trade deadline, so I would not put it beyond them to make a subtle move come the end of October.

A trade or signing for an effective "WR 1" could occur during the 2024 NFL off-season. New England is poised to remain with a solid portion of spending money this off-season after they re-sign their desired players. With the names of Calvin Ridley, Tee Higgins, and Mike Evans possibly being available, the 2024 off-season could be the perfect time for New England to make a move.

---

"Interior D Line - what's gonna happen there with the Ekuale injury?"

~ @JGEVtweets

Last Wednesday, we saw the addition of former Cardinals defensive lineman Manny Jones to the practice squad, shortly after Daniel Ekuale was placed on IR. In addition, due to recent injuries to Davon Godchaux (ankle) and Christian Barmore (knee), Jeremiah Pharms was elevated from the practice squad to the active roster in preparation for Sunday's game against the Cowboys.

The injuries to Barmore and Godchaux are not said to be lingering injuries, and the current free agent list lacks talent on the interior defensive line. Given these factors, it seems that New England is comfortable turning to Pharms to fill in when needed while Barmore and Godchaux continue to recover.

---

"Why was Isaiah Bolden put on season-ending IR from a concussion?"

~ @SinatraLi

There is no clear answer as to why Isaiah Bolden was placed on season-ending IR, but one can assume it was due to the coaching staff feeling he is not completely ready to see regular-season snaps compared to others on the roster.

Bolden flashed his potential throughout the summer in camp and looked like a player who could sneak onto the initial 53-man roster. However, a questionable pre-season performance changed that course as he struggled to wrap up and finish tackles and show that he could be a reliable option for the team. Putting Bolden on season-ending IR after the frightening injury he suffered late in a pre-season game against the Packers makes it possible for New England to keep him on the team and not leave him subject to a possible change in teams on the practice squad.

---

"Given the current roster, assuming no free agency moves are made, what do you feel are the adjustments the offense is capable of making to be more competitive?" ~ @CoreyWalterJ

Bill O'Brien's impact on the Patriots' offense is apparent, as New England, statistically, has improved in several areas of the offense, ranging from third-down conversion percentage to red-zone efficiency. Yet, there remains a glaring issue that continues to set the team back in games. Play execution.

The Patriots' offense this season has looked more fluid and organized, and skill position players finally appear to know their assignment every play. Under Matt Patricia's offense in 2022, the offense looked heavily disorganized, as we saw receivers run into each other on plays not once but on several occasions throughout the season.

The main issue this season on the offensive side of the ball has been play execution and a lack of discipline from the players. Bill O'Brien's playcalling has not been an issue, but when offensive linemen are missing their blocking assignments and double a rusher, leaving an untouched opposing defender with a wide-open lane on Mac Jones, it is quite difficult to move the ball down the field.