Patriots
The Patriots are unlikely to fireplace Mayo, per experiences, but when they did the opening could be probably the most fascinating within the NFL.
In response to a number of experiences, the Patriots are usually not more likely to fireplace Jerod Mayo this yr.
However, with New England’s report at 3-12 and some weeks left within the season, rumors of a possible firing have been swirling anyway.
So, if the Krafts have been to make the unlikely transfer and fireplace Mayo, the place would the job opening stack up towards different NFL vacancies when it comes to desirability?
ESPN ranks the Patriots fourth within the NFL in that division. Solely the Bears, Dolphins, and Jaguars rank larger.
Why would the Patriots be so fascinating? As a result of they’ve a promising younger quarterback in Drake Maye, and loads of cap area to work with, ESPN’s Invoice Barnwell wrote.
There’s only one draw back, he stated, however it’s a massive one. The Patriots shouldn’t have sufficient expertise surrounding Maye to be aggressive.
“If Jerod Mayo in the end turns into the Patriots’ one-and-done buffer between a franchise legend and his long-term substitute, the brand new regime could have its work minimize out for it,” Barnwell stated. “As thrilling as rookie Drake Maye has been in moments this season, this could be the league’s worst roster when it comes to expertise surrounding the quarterback.”
“The Patriots are projected to guide the NFL in cap area heading into 2025, however they may must signal half a roster’s price of gamers to sufficiently encompass Maye with options on either side of the ball.”
Quarterback play factored in fairly closely in Barwell’s rankings, with all 4 of the highest groups having their QBs listed within the ‘execs’ column as an alternative of the ‘cons’ column.
However, as Patriots followers know all too effectively, there are issues about who Maye shall be throwing to subsequent season together with who shall be blocking for him. New England’s offense is scoring barely extra with Maye than it did final yr underneath Mac Jones and Bailey Zappe, however collectively the offense continues to be the third-worst within the league at 17.3 factors per recreation.
The protection hasn’t been nice both, which was comparatively stunning contemplating how effectively that unit performed underneath Invoice Belichick final season together with the truth that Mayo has performed and coached on the defensive aspect of the ball his complete profession.
“The Patriots rank thirtieth in EPA (anticipated factors added) per play and twenty fourth in factors allowed per possession,” Barnwell wrote. “Buying and selling (Matthew) Judon made sense for a rebuilding crew, however New England hasn’t been capable of type a go rush with out him, as two gamers have 5 sacks and no one else has greater than 2.5. The Pats have been too vulnerable to psychological errors within the again finish, one thing that appeared to by no means occur with Belichick in cost.”
Another excuse for optimism is that the Patriots have been in numerous shut video games. They’ve misplaced six of the eight they’ve been in, which isn’t preferrred, however among the errors that led to these are correctable. Situational consciousness, red-zone execution, and limiting psychological errors are all areas that coaches may help with if the roster improves.
“They’ll be higher within the purple zone on offense subsequent season, and the roster will enhance with a top-three choose and the doubtless coming spending spree in free company,” Barnwell stated. “Maye could be essentially the most interesting quarterback out there from the groups on this listing. However there’s simply numerous work to be accomplished right here.
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