Patriots Mailbag: Speculation and side dishes

• https://x.com/Mark_1878_/status/1726978811588391272?s=20

  In the past, I’ve been somebody who has said that the whole “offensive head coaches are the only way to win in the modern NFL” take was overrated. Recently though, it seems like there’s been too much evidence backing that point – especially when it comes to developing young quarterbacks.

  The relationship between a quarterback and the top-ranking offensive coach on a team is important, especially when it comes to player development. If that coach is the head coach, great. He’s not going anywhere and the two can continue to work together. However, if the head coach is a defensive coach and the top offensive coach is the offensive coordinator, that coach is always a threat to leave – especially if the team is doing well. If that coach gets hired away there’s the risk of a revolving door at that spot, leaving little continuity for the quarterback.

  Now, there are some ways around that. A team could hire an experienced offensive coach that has already tired and failed as a head coach elsewhere, and likely isn’t getting another shot. If the Patriots are going to hire a defensive-minded head coach, they should look for that kind of offensive coordinator.

• IG: Homio.Azi on Twitter: "everyone is talking about Bill being gone at the end of the year(trade,firing,mutual) but no one is talking about what are the chances kraft gives him another year. what do you think those chances are? / Twitter"

  everyone is talking about Bill being gone at the end of the year(trade,firing,mutual) but no one is talking about what are the chances kraft gives him another year. what do you think those chances are?

  Generally where there’s smoke, there’s fire, and there’s been plenty of smoke in terms of reporting that the Patriots will be moving on from Bill Belichick after this year. That being said there are still seven games left to play, so it would be presumptuous to think any definitive decision has been made yet. If the Patriots win a few games down the stretch, it wouldn’t be unrealistic to think that could help Belichick keep his job. That’s hardly a guarantee, but it does feel too early to completely close the door right now.

• Uncle Jim on Twitter: "Does Sidy Sow look like a potential long-term starter at RG if Onwenu stays at RT? / Twitter"

  Does Sidy Sow look like a potential long-term starter at RG if Onwenu stays at RT?

  After struggling in Week 1 and then having a couple of weeks off, Sidy Sow played much better upon returning to the lineup in Week 6 (although he had a bit of a hiccup against the Colts). Sow is still growing his game, but has flashed starter-level upside. With the Patriots having so many other pending needs this offseason, penciling Sow is as the starting right guard next season if Mike Onwenu moves to right tackle or leaves the team outright makes sense.

• Liam Frieswick on Twitter: "thoughts on receivers for the 2nd round pick? Thomas Jr from LSU with pick 35? I remember Elijah Moore was available at the top of the 2nd, think there should be a good WR there. / Twitter"

  thoughts on receivers for the 2nd round pick? Thomas Jr from LSU with pick 35? I remember Elijah Moore was available at the top of the 2nd, think there should be a good WR there.

  We’ll see who ends up going back to school, but right now this looks like a very deep draft class at the wide receiver position. If the Patriots want to take a wideout on Day 2 they should have options – certainly more than last year.

  Brian Thomas Jr. from LSU is a good name to know. Other players I like in that range are AD Mitchell from Texas, Xavier Legette from South Carolina, Johnny Wilson from Florida State, and Roman Wilson from Michigan. All four are boundary, ‘X’ type wide receivers, although Wilson may be more of a ‘Z’ in the NFL.

• 𝟖𝟎𝐊𝐅𝐓 ☘️ on Twitter: "Thoughts on the Caleb Williams concerns this year... Would you be worried on how he would fit in the Boston sports market? Do you think he is a good center piece for a rebuild in New England? How would you rate his performance this year at USC? / Twitter"

  Thoughts on the Caleb Williams concerns this year... Would you be worried on how he would fit in the Boston sports market? Do you think he is a good center piece for a rebuild in New England? How would you rate his performance this year at USC?

  While I think many of the critiques of Caleb Williams’ personality are overblown (people criticized him for crying after a game the week after criticizing him for not caring enough about winning or losing), it is fair to wonder how his approach will play in the Boston market. He’s still incredibly talented, and winning does cure all, but it’s something that should be considered.

• Mac Jones Tank Commander on Twitter: "Why you're so low on Bo Nix? I think he's better than Penix and doesn't have injury concerns / Twitter"

  Why you're so low on Bo Nix? I think he's better than Penix and doesn't have injury concerns

  I think Bo Nix is a solid prospect overall, but isn’t what the Patriots should be looking for in their next quarterback. They just went through trying to develop an older, high-floor, low-ceiling, ball-distributing QB and that hasn’t worked out.

  While Penix is the same age as Nix and does have knee injuries in his past, he’s now three years removed from the latest of those injuries. Assuming he clears his physical at the NFL Combine, it’s less of a concern. His natural arm talent also surpasses Nix (and most of the quarterbacks in this class), and he’s had more on his place in Washington’s offensive system.

• Kevin Maggiore on Twitter: "If you had to compare the 2023 team to a Thanksgiving side-dish, what would it be? / Twitter"

  If you had to compare the 2023 team to a Thanksgiving side-dish, what would it be?

  Not a side dish, but you know those videos of people putting deep-fried turkeys into a pot of oil, and they explode?

• Alex Barth is a writer and digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Thoughts? Comments? Questions? Looking for a podcast guest? Let him know on Twitter @RealAlexBarth or via email at [email protected].