Mazz: Is Bill Belichick building the Patriots in the image of the Baltimore Ravens?

By Tony Massarotti, 98.5 The Sports Hub

Two tight ends and a massive offensive tackle, and now the Patriots are being linked to power running backs. If you add Cam Newton to the mix, maybe there is a simple conclusion.

In 2021, Maybe the Patriots intend to run an offense akin to that of the Baltimore Ravens.

Trying to figure it all out, Patriots fans? Don’t bother. Over 20 years, what we know about Bill Belichick, more than anything else, is that he likes options. On the field or off, Belichick doesn’t like to back himself into corners. The only unusual thing now is that he did just that with his roster over the last several years, which has led to an offseason binge during which the Patriots have seemingly snatched up anything that wasn’t locked in a glass cabinet.

So where is this going? Good question. Maybe the Patriots have a quarterback move already in place, being a trade for Jimmy Garoppolo or the drafting of someone like Trey Lance or Mac Jones. Whatever the case, rest assured that Belichick is prepared for the alternative – which means another season of Newton.

Consider:

• The acquisition of Trent Brown by trade

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  For all of the speculation that Brown was reacquired to protect the blind side of the next quarterback, let’s remember that he was a brilliant run blocker, too, as former offensive line coach Dante Scarnecchia recently told Karen Guregian of the Boston Herald. Brown was the left tackle when the Patriots won their last Super Bowl, in the 2018 season, when New England ran over everything in its path, especially during the postseason.

• The signing of Jonnu Smith

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  One of the op two tight ends available on the market, Smith is generally regarded as the more complete of the two tight ends that the Patriots have added – which is to say he’s a better blocker and more explosive in the open field. Early last season, Newton looked at his best as a passer when throwing to the middle of the field, an area the Patriots have historically controlled – at least until last season. Smith was immediate help in that regard.

• The signing of Hunter Henry

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  This was the surprise move – and perhaps the most telling. After drafting two tight ends in 2020, the Patriots have now signed two others. In 2019, the Ravens operated with three tight ends for much of their time of offense – highlighting the strengths of quarterback Lamar Jackson. That year, the Ravens led the NFL in scoring. Last year, they were seventh. Over the last two years, they have won more games than any AFC team but the Kansas City Chiefs, who have won the last two AFC Championships.
• The reports linking the Patriots to Leonard Fournette and Chris Carson

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  Both free agents, Fournette and Carson are power backs – more in the mold of someone like Baltimore bruiser Mark Ingram. And remember, the Patriots already have both Sony Michel and Damien Harris, the former of whom was selected with a first-round pick. That’s a lot of ball carriers, which is a necessity if you’re going to run the ball a lot.

• Don’t forget about Newton’s running ability

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  Is he as explosive as Jackson? No. But who is? Last season, Newton ran more than any quarterback in football other than Jackson. His 12 touchdowns ranked first at his position. If the Pats have designs on drafting a quarterback who can also run – Trey Lance, perhaps? – bringing back Newton makes some sense to keep the seat warm as the Pats transition to a new offense – and, perhaps, a new era.

Are the Patriots aiming to do what the Ravens did to them in Jackson’s MVP season? It’s something to consider.

You can hear Tony Massarotti weekdays from 2-6 p.m. EST on the Felger & Massarotti program. Follow him on Twitter @TonyMassarotti.