Need for an expert offensive mind? Year-end grades are a sign of need

Perry’s Report Card: Year-end grades for the 2022 Patriots Original version: NBC Sports Boston

Bill Belichick It has been a mantra for many years: “Players win the games.” They lose them to coaches.”

This is a clear indication of the team’s greatest offseason need. The facts are the facts. The numbers are what they are.

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The Patriots were the No. 9 offense, according to Football Outsiders DVOOA. They are now No. 24. They were 24th in EPA per player in 2022, and 10th in 2021. They were 25th in the success rate this season and fourth in that category a year ago.

It shouldn’t surprise that the Patriots are seeking an offensive ringleader. came as a shock). They’ll need to believe that this adjustment in 2023 to the sidelines will suffice to raise these season-ending grades.

According to one source, this week’s answer was “What are we going to do, fire everyone?” They won’t. They shouldn’t. They need to do the things they have promised. Change the offensive leadership. Add an offensive expert who is worthy of the “OC”. Hope that’s the rising tide that lifts all ships.

You’ll see this in the final Report Card for the season. The performance of the offensive fleet was simply not good enough.

Quarterback: C+

Weekly grades C, C, C+, B-, B+, A-, D, C, C-, C+, B+, C-, C+, D, B-, B-, C+

Mac JonesHis performance was poor. He was frustrated. He made it known. He let it go after what I assume was a conversation between two locker room members. He finished the season with solid statistical performances. He concluded the season. near the top of the list of tight-window testers and safe-with-the-football passers. This is a good combination. Focus must be on consistency in 2023 under new leadership, and in a more functional setting.

Running back to B

Weekly grades B, A, A, A, A, A, A, A, A, A, A, A B, A, A, A, B, C+,B+, B, B, B+,B, B, A, F,,C+,B,

Rhamondre Stevenson He was undoubtedly the best offensive player on the team in 2022. He’s a bully. He is a strong pass-catcher and yards-after-contact machine. Did he feel a little tired down the stretch? He acknowledged that he felt tired. He had two terrible ball-security moments — in Vegas, and against the Bengals — which could have cost him a playoff performance.

There is plenty of hope for moving forward, even with the current state of affairs. Damien Harris You can get free agency. They should find a true third-downback — Pierre Strong, perhaps — to spell their workhorse.

C+ Wide receiver

Weekly grades C-.

This group could take a new look in 2023. Jakobi Meyers would be worthy Jones will have a security blanket that allows him to extend his stay in Foxboro. But, will he be granted one?

The team will continue to work as it stands right now. DeVante Parker, Kendrick Bourne Tyquan Thornton. With a new offensive coordinator, could Bourne have a bounce back? Could Thornton take a leap? Yes. They’ll need to add something here. Meyers could be resigned and a draft talent made in the early rounds if they want to compete in their division.

Tight end: C

Weekly grades C, D, D, C-, B-, A-, C, C+, B+, B-, B, D, B, C, C+, B+, C+

While this may seem like a high grade, it is actually only one of a handful productive games that you can play after the bye week. Hunter Henry This was made to be a passing mark. This was a very poor result for the team. Jonnu Smith Before he was injured at the end, a concussion effectively ended his season.

Is it possible to get more out of this group with a coach who is different? You can. You should not put more faith in Smith. At this moment, it would be difficult. His 2023 earnings are expected to keep him around.

Offensive Line: C-

Weekly grades F, A-, C-, B+, A, C+, D, F, F, D, B+, D, C+, B+, D, C, B-

This unit has had a great year. Another offense. New language. New coach. Rookie left guard jumps from UT-Chattanooga into the AFC East. It’s not surprising that they would receive a few failing grades this season. Billy Yates was initially an assistant to Matt Patricia, but eventually took over the duties as offensive line coach once it became clear that Matt Patricia had become the de facto offensive coordinator. And Patricia was unable to manage the many offensive line coaches.

Next season, will Yates return to this group? Patricia? Who is the right tackle? The other four starters are under contract until 2023. This group has many questions heading into the offseason.

Special teams: C.

Weekly grades B, C. C. C-. C. B+. B+. C-. B+. A-. A-. F. C-. B, D. F. D. F.

This was a team strength at times, but it became a liability towards the end of the season. Jake Bailey, the punter and kickoff specialist, was not injured. Losing special-teams ace Cody Davis The Patriots’ decision to drop Brenden Schooler early in the year was a big blow. The Patriots’ decision to not have Brenden Schooler in their season finale, which meant that they had to give up two scores for returns, didn’t help.

It is not clear what the Patriots will do next season at punter. Similar situation with their kicker position. Nick Folk It is closer to the finish than the start. Matthew Slater It is possible to retire. This unit has some hope for the future thanks to Marcus Jones’ first-team All Pro returner season and Schooler’s emergence.

Protective line: B+

Weekly grades A-, A, B-, C-, A, A, D, B+, A, A, A-, B+, C-, B-, A-, A, B+

This unit helped the Patriots reach the top five in rush yards per carry. Davon Godchaux It was in the middle section of the line for scrimmage. Christian BarmoreHe looked healthy and was a formidable force. This should only get better going into Year 3. Deatrich Wise started the season as a pass-rusher, and continued to be effective throughout the season. Even lesser-used players like Daniel Ekuale Carl Davis and others had some of the most memorable moments.

DeMarcus Covington’s group had a good year. It should, so long as Barmore’s Arrow continues to point up, trend in the right directions in 2023.

Linebacker: B+

Weekly grades B+

Matthew Judon Avoid the swoon of last year. Josh Uche He was on fire and appeared to be the most efficient football pass-rusher for a period during the second quarter. Ja’Whaun had a remarkable year. Jahlani Tavai He was productive enough to get an extension. It showed that he was not only capable against the run, but also against passing games. This group is most likely worthy of landing in the “A” range. It was too late.

Secondary:

Weekly grades C+, B+, C-, B+, A, B+, C, B, A, A-, D, D, B+, B, B, A-, C+

This unit, coming out of the 2022 seasons, feels like it could be in search of a few key pieces both at corner safety and safety. Devin McCourty May retire leaving the Patriots in need of a defensive quarterback. That’s it? Kyle DuggerWho was the college’s free safety officer? Marcus Jones may be Marcus Jones, who might have the speed and skills to fit in there.

In the corner are more serious problems that will need to be addressed over the next months. Is the team ready to expand? Jonathan JonesMcCourty could be replaced by a person who can fill in the leadership gaps. He was one of the few remaining members from the team’s 2018 championship, and was the best corner for the unit in 2022. In the meantime, what are you doing? Jalen Mills? He was injured in his groin late in the season and went missing. The team could have used him against larger-bodied top-end wideouts.

Belichick vets view Jack Jones and Marcus Jones, despite their late season suspensions, as long-term anchors. They still need more. It should be one the top-three priorities in offseason for this team heading into next year. Here’s one name worth considering.