The New England Patriots entered Super Bowl Sunday looking for a response to critics who doubted their chances against Sam Darnold and the Seattle Seahawks. New England struggled early, as Seattle’s defense dominated and built a lead that the Patriots could not overcome. By the fourth quarter, the Seahawks had a commanding advantage over New England that would eventually end of their season without the Lombardi Trophy.
Seattle’s “Dark Side” defense silenced star Drake Maye all night, forcing him into some tough throwing lanes while also causing multiple turnovers. The defensive line for Seattle was also strong, as they got home six times against a lackluster Patriots offensive line.
This offseason, New England has their blueprint. They will need to make some key additions if they want to return to the Super Bowl next year, and it all starts with that offensive line. New England has some great pieces; however, moving rookie Will Campbell back to his natural position at guard will help him and the team in the long run. Then the Patriots will need to sign and draft two tackles that can play immediately, with an aging Morgan Moses and a free hole following Campbell’s move to guard.
Look for the Patriots to target Alabama product Caden Proctor in the draft and in free agency, looking at big names such as Braden Smith and Jonah Williams.
New England will also need to provide a few more weapons for Maye next year, as his support group was decent at best. Adding an impact receiver or number one guy would turn the tables for this roster and open more avenues for some of their other playmakers. Names to look at vary, however, the best option for New England is to go out and trade for a big-time guy such as AJ Brown or make an offer to Deebo Samuel in free agency.
Defensively, New England does not need to do much. Their defense was arguably, outside of Seattle’s, the best this year. The only thing that New England will and should do is resign a few depth pieces, such as Khyiris Tonga and K’Lavon Chaisson, and then hopefully nail a late-round pick for a high upside defender that can provide depth.
Luckily for Mike Vrabel and staff, they will have the cap space to do it all and the backing from ownership in Robert and Jonathan Kraft, as they look to get back to where they were this year.
The schedule will be harder, and the road will not be as easy; however, what you cannot undervalue is the experience that a deep playoff run brings you. Maye is 23-years-old and just finished his first full season as a starter, along with Campbell, who was playing hurt all postseason at LT. These are excuses but let’s also offer some context; they cannot fully excuse an offense that struggled with consistency, protection breakdowns, and much more during the playoffs. It will most certainly be back to the drawing board in Foxboro; however, this drawing board is very much a few scribbles and marks from being done.