With the release of Cam Newton, the Patriots have gone all in on Mac Jones. The rookie will make his first start this Sunday against the Miami Dolphins. A strong running back and offensive line tandem are key if Jones is to have a successful college-to-pro transition. These two groups aim to relieve Jones of having to carry the offense and give him cleaner, better looks on that side of the ball.
Running Back
The Patriots recently dealt Sony Michel to the Rams, a solution to fix an overcrowded, deep group at the position.
Damian Harris is poised to assume that No. 1 role following an encouraging 2020 season, averaging 5 yards per attempt and nearly 70 yards per game. James White has been a consistent threat through the air his whole career and fits with Mac Jones’ feel for check-downs and short route accuracy.
Rhamondre Stevenson and JJ Taylor round out the group with encouraging upside. Stevenson scored five touchdowns this preseason and showed impressive speed at 230 pounds while maintaining power. He dislocated his thumb in a recent practice, but optimism remains that he will still play in week 1. Taylor is a smaller back with return-man potential, but his incredible speed and agility may give him snaps as James Whites back up.
This running back group is geared to attack defenses both on the ground and through the air as it has for the last decade so successfully.
Offensive Line Talent
It’s no secret a strength for the Patriots is their offensive line, and Jones will enjoy consistency from the veteran group. Depth at running back is great and even better with a strong OL group.
From left to right the starting group features Isaiah Wynn, Michael Onwenu, David Andrews, Shaq Mason, and Trent Brown: A mix of veteran and young players.
According to Pro Football Focus, the Patriots offensive line was fourth in the league last year. While they lost Joe Thuney to the Kansas City Chiefs this offseason, C David Andrews returns to the team as a captain after sitting out last season for COVID reasons. Brown was brought back from the Raiders this offseason, where he looks to bounce back with the Patriots and their familiar scheme. With Brown’s arrival, second year player Onwenu slides to left guard. He had an extremely successful first year playing LT and made a solid case for Offensive Rookie of the Year. Ted Carras returns as a back-up who can play both the center and guard positions, giving the Patriots options in the case of injury.
This is a talented group with depth to withstand a now 17-game NFL season, providing stability for Jones and creating opportunities for the running backs.
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