While most in the national media have been linking the Patriots with just about every potentially available wide receiver on the trade market this fall as the NFL’s deadline for deals approaches, those who have watched the team regularly know that the receiving corps has actually been a pleasant surprise, with Stefon Diggs firmly settled as the WR1, Kayshon Boutte having a breakout year and the likes of Pop Douglas and Mack Hollins now filling their roles nicely.
The Patriots probably would like to play rookies Kyle Williams and Efton Chism a bit more, but there just isn’t a spot of them. So, as long as health holds up, the chatter about the Patriots looking to trade for any pass-catcher available rings a bit hollow.
This teams needs depth, especially on the defense, which is where the Patriots spent most of their hefty chunk of free-agent money they gave out this offseason. It’s not enough. The depth in the secondary is worrisome, and while the pass rush is much improved, it needs more.
That’s where the Patriots figure to focus their energy when the November 4 deadline rolls around.
Patriots Will Consider Adding ‘More Help on Defense’
Credit Chad Graff of The Athletic–a former Patriots beat guy–for recognizing that. He wrote this week that New England is, indeed, on the hunt for players at the trade deadline, but added that receiver (or any offensive positions) is just not a priority.
Writes Graff: “Like every other NFL team, the Patriots have already made calls to explore which players might be available before the deadline — and at what price. So far, in what might come as a surprise, the Patriots have made more calls about defensive players than offensive ones, according to a league source. …
“As the deadline nears, look for the Patriots to consider adding more help on defense, specifically looking for outside linebackers who can provide depth as pass rushers on the edge.”
Patriots Trade Targets Include Pass-Rushers
Graff does posit some impressive names for the Patriots to go after at the deadline, many of which are longshots at best. Trey Hendrickson of the Bengals, for example, would be a major jolt to the pass rush but it is very unlikely Cincinnati trades him. Former first-round pick Jalean Phillips of the Dolphins, too, could be a good fit on the edge, but he’s having a poor year and the Dolphins might not want to give any help to New England.
Graff does peg some receivers as potential targets, like AJ Brown (not happening) or Jakobi Meyers.
Realistically, though, if the Patriots are to add an offensive player, it would be a running back to bolster a room that lost Antonio Gibson to a torn ACL in Week 4.
GettyTrey Hendrickson a potential Patriots trade target.
More Pressure on Early Downs Needed
Graff pointed out that Phillips would give the Patriots a better pass-rush presence on early downs. Coach Mike Vrabel was asked about the team’s struggle to pressure the QB on first and second downs.
“We just have to do a better job of transitioning some of the play actions, and recognizing the opportunities to rush and to affect the quarterback,” he said. We haven’t given up the amount of X plays that we have but we probably have given up – the quarterback’s probably not held onto the ball as long, and so when you create longer yardage situations on third down – and sacks can be funny.
“I mean, we have however many we have on offense for like 25 yards. Our sack numbers, if you just looked at the numbers, aren’t great, but the amount of yardage that we’ve actually lost – because if the quarterback runs out of bounds for no gain, apparently sometimes it goes down as a sack.”
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