Patriots' Offense Concerns for 2024

FOXBORO – As the New England Patriots gear up for the 2024 NFL season, optimism surrounding their offense is alarmingly low. First-year head coach Jerod Mayo, known for his defensive expertise, has entrusted offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt with play-calling duties, despite Van Pelt's lack of experience in this role during his previous tenure with the Cleveland Browns. The uncertainty surrounding the quarterback position has intensified, with Mayo initially endorsing Jacoby Brissett but now considering rookie Drake Maye, the third overall pick, as a potential Week 1 starter. The Patriots' offensive challenges are compounded by a lack of depth in the receiving corps and significant concerns along the offensive line. Analysts predict that starting a rookie quarterback in such a precarious situation may not be the best strategy for New England. The Ringer has ranked the Patriots' offense as potentially the worst in the league, even below the struggling Carolina Panthers. The difficulties are underscored by the offensive line, which is currently anchored by Vederian Lowe and Chukuma Okorafor, and is considered one of the weakest in the NFL. Despite the presence of promising young receivers like Ja'Lynn Polk and DeMario Douglas, the Patriots lack a game-changing player to revitalize their offense. Last season, the team averaged a dismal 13.9 points per game, tying them with the Panthers for the lowest scoring in the league. With the upcoming season on the horizon, the Patriots face a daunting task to improve their offensive performance.