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The New England Patriots, despite not possessing the national adoration of teams like the Dallas Cowboys, have long set the standard of football excellence and the benchmark of the term 'dynasty'. This was no doubt driven by the legendary duo of quarterback Tom Brady and former head coach Bill Belichick, and it came as no surprise that the organization faltered after the departure of Brady. But they still had Belichick, so there was hope. However, multiple questionable personnel decisions, namely on the offensive side of the ball and the coaching staff, left owner Robert Kraft no choice but to make a change.
And that is how the 2024 offseason kicked off for the Patriots. Belichick is out, and first-time head coach and Patriots hall-of-famer Jerrod Mayo is in. For the first time since 2000, the Patriots had a new face at the helm. There was a lot of hope and expectation among New England fans for a fresh look to the team, perhaps spending money and bringing in top talent, something rarely seen under the Belichick regime. Well, a week into free agency and the 2024 NFL season, that has not happened.
More of the same is a term Patriots fans were desperate not to hear regarding their team and the moves made in the offseason. It's not all bad: they've brought in some talented role players such as RB Antonio Gibson and WR KJ Osborn, resigned valuable pieces in LB Josh Uche and OL Mike Onwenu, and still hold the third pick in the upcoming draft. However, the most exciting headline has been the trade of QB Mac Jones (Brady's alleged successor), and... well that's it. Unless the return of Jacoby Brissett gets you going (for sane fans it does not).
I think the biggest bright spot in this underwhelming offseason has been the Patriots taking a big swing (and ultimately striking out) at WR Calvin Ridley. This actually was different from years passed in that they demonstrated a willingness to throw big money at a talented player, but ultimately as it stands the Patriots will be rolling out Kendrick Bourne and KJ Osborn as the pass catchers for Brissett or the rookie they will draft into this dumpster fire of an offense.
And that is the big issue. This team hopes to build entirely through the draft. Take a quarterback at 3? Great, who will he throw to? Who is going to protect him? At least he has a strong run game to rely on, right? Not if you look at the numbers from last season. Subbing Gibson in for Ezekiel Elliott won't make those look better either. So maybe not a quarterback. They could take the incredibly talented tackle Joe Alt. I wouldn't be mad about that, but a generational talent at tackle with no quarterback does nothing for this team. Look at Joe Thomas' legendary career in Cleveland, specifically the long list of garbage at the quarterback position during his tenure. Tough. And for those who want the Ohio St. phenom WR Marvin Harrison Jr. the same problems apply. No quarterback. Average to poor talent all around him. He's simply not a luxury the Patriots can afford.
If this all sounds bleak, it's because it is. The Patriots have no direction and no identity. Under a first-year head coach, with a brand-new system, they need something. I'm not saying all these moves are bad, the majority are decent. They trimmed a lot of fat and brought in a few good role players on good deals. But out of all the teams in the NFL, they were the ones that desperately needed to make big moves to bring some life back to Foxboro. They didn't. Season ticket holders can now look forward to seeing Jacoby Brissett throw to average at best receivers, or a rookie quarterback get eaten alive by opposing defenses.
A team that went 4-13 last season is doing the worst possible thing this offseason: treading water. Robert Kraft, give your fans something to look forward to. We know you're not going to compete for a playoff spot, let alone a championship, but at least make the team watchable. Buckle up, New England, it's looking like another long season.