New England Patriots’ offensive line issues could keep key players out of preseason finale
The New England Patriots have had such trouble on the offensive line this summer, that it may cost them real playing time for their most important player.
Of course, we’re talking about starting quarterback Mac Jones. He doesn’t have any reported injuries, as of Thursday afternoon, but the offensive line in front of him has become an infirmary. So it appears that the team might want to protect him by keeping him off the field.
Green Bay, WI, Aug. 19, 2023: Green Bay Packers linebacker Kingsley Enagbare (55) forces a fumble by New England Patriots quarterback Mac Jones (10) during a preseason game at Lambeau Field. (Mark Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports)
That’s based on a new post by ESPN’s Mike Reiss, who said on Storyline on my radar: After QB Mac
Jones took some hard hits last week behind a patchwork offensive line, strong consideration has to be given to hold him out of the preseason finale.
Would normally not be a big question to play Jones in finale, but OL snapshot complicates it.
Reiss didn’t necessarily report that the Patriots themselves are considering sitting Jones, but his thoughts often reflect that of the team. And it wouldn’t be terribly shocking if Bill Belichick decided to preserve Jones for Week 1 of the regular season against the Philadelphia Eagles.
The Patriots were without both projected starters at guard – Mike Onwenu and Cole Strange – for most of training camp. They’re also having trouble landing on a reliable right tackle, where rookie Sidy Sow has played most recently. Blocking has been an issue almost across the board.
Aug 19, 2023; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Mac Jones (10) looks to pass against the Green Bay Packers in the first quarter at Lambeau Field. Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
Jones was sacked twice in last week’s preseason game against the Green Bay Packers, including one for a lost fumble. He also took a hit as he stood in the pocket and completed a 13-yard pass to Kendrick Bourne.
Since the Patriots probably aren’t going to figure out all their blocking woes in time for Friday night’s preseason finale against the Tennessee Titans, it’s for the best to keep Jones on the sidelines for a meaningless game. For that matter, they might want to consider sitting backup quarterback Bailey Zappe, and running backs Rhamondre Stevenson and Ezekiel Elliott as well.
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