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New England Patriots’ Preseason Finale: Questions & Takeaways

The New England Patriots are gearing up for their final preseason game, facing the Washington Commanders on Sunday. As the team prepares for the regular season, fans are left wondering about key roster decisions and potential surprises. 98.5 The Sports Hub’s Patriots Mailbag takes on some of the most pressing questions, providing insight into the Patriots’ potential offensive line strategy, their biggest strengths and weaknesses, and more.

Key Takeaways

• Mike Onwenu’s Position: Should the Patriots consider playing Mike Onwenu, a talented guard, at tackle? While Onwenu’s powerful style suits guard play, the team’s limited tackle options might necessitate his move to tackle to maximize their best five offensive linemen.
• Cole Strange’s Versatility: Could Cole Strange fill the void at center long-term? Strange’s size and potential fit at center, coupled with the Patriots’ need for long-term planning at the position, makes this a viable option.
• Offensive Line Concerns: The Patriots’ offensive line performance last season raised concerns, particularly their lack of tackle depth. While the offseason additions may not be immediate solutions, the team’s continued focus on developing talent through the draft will be crucial.
• Defensive Line Strength: Despite the absence of Christian Barmore, the Patriots boast a strong defensive line. With veterans like Davon Godchaux and Deatrich Wise, and emerging talent in Keion White, Daniel Ekuale, Jeremiah Pharms, and Trysten Hill, this unit promises to be a formidable force.
• Wide Receiver Wishful Thinking: While D.K. Metcalf would be a dream acquisition, the Patriots’ realistic chances of landing him seem slim. However, with the abundance of wide receiver talent in the NFL, the team still has options to address their need for a top pass catcher.

Onwenu’s Position: Tackle or Guard?

One of the most debated topics surrounding the Patriots is whether Mike Onwenu, a standout guard, should be moved to tackle. While Onwenu’s power and strength make him a dominant force on the interior, his lack of experience at tackle raises questions about his suitability for the position.

"Can he? Yes – in the sense that I wouldn’t expect him to look out of place or be a liability there," explains a 98.5 The Sports Hub analyst. "Is it the best use of his talent? No. He’s going to be the most effective on the interior, where he can use his power in a phone booth rather than out in space."

The analyst continues, "It’s possible the ‘best five’ of this Patriots team is with Onwenu at tackle, when you consider three or four of their top offensive linemen play primarily on the interior."

This highlights the challenging situation the Patriots face. With several talented interior linemen vying for starting positions, shifting Onwenu outside could be their best strategy to utilize their existing talent. However, the team needs to carefully assess the potential drawbacks of moving a player known for his power into a position demanding more agility and athleticism.

Strange as Center: A Long-Term Solution?

Another intriguing possibility involves Cole Strange, who has shown versatility as a lineman. Could he be the answer at center? The Patriots are in a good position with David Andrews at center, but with his contract expiring in 2025, having a reliable backup, especially one with potential as a future starter, is crucial.

"I don’t hate the idea of trying Cole Strange at center," suggests a 98.5 The Sports Hub analyst. "Between Mike Onwenu (assuming he stays at guard long term), Sidy Sow, and Layden Robinson, it feels like the Patriots should have at least two solid NFL starters at guard. That leaves them without a place in the lineup for Strange, although he would be a high-end backup."

The analyst adds, "If Strange can pick up the position, he’d save the Patriots from needing to add a starting-caliber lineman in the next year or two, and given his lack of playing time overall the past few years likely wouldn’t be too expensive to re-sign."

This potential move highlights the versatility of Strange and his ability to potentially fill a vital role. Strategic placement of players on the offensive line can create long-term stability, and Strange’s development at center could prove valuable for the team.

Addressing The Tackle Position: A Multi-Year Plan

The Patriots’ tackle position remains a cause for concern, following the departures of Trent Brown and Conor McDermott from last season. The team’s acquisition of two career right tackles, one a rookie and the other released by the Steelers who then drafted a first-round tackle, has raised eyebrows.

"They simply didn’t do enough to address it in the offseason," states a 98.5 The Sports Hub analyst. "The team had the lowest pass block win rate in the NFL last year, and one of the lowest in the last decade… To replace them the Patriots added two career right tackles – one who was cut by a Steelers team that turned around and used a first-round pick at the position, and another who is a rookie."

This analysis emphasizes the urgency for the Patriots to solidify their tackle position. While the team’s draft strategy may be a multi-year plan, the lack of immediate solutions for the tackle position could present challenges in the early stages of the season.

Defensive Line: A Position of Strength

Despite the absence of Christian Barmore, the Patriots boast a talented and experienced defensive line. The team’s returning veterans and emerging young players provide a formidable front line.

"I’ll go with the defensive line, even without Christian Barmore," says a 98.5 The Sports Hub analyst. "Davon Godchaux and Deatrich Wise are still quality starters, Keion White seems poised for a big Year 2 jump, they’ll be getting Daniel Ekuale back after he missed most of last year due to injury, and guys like Jeremiah Pharms and Trysten Hill have emerged as potential rotational contributors as well."

This optimistic outlook emphasizes the depth and quality within the Patriots’ defensive line. With experienced veterans leading the way and young talent emerging, this unit has the potential to become a dominant force in the NFL.

The Quest for a Top Wide Receiver: A Long-Term Pursuit

One of the Patriots’ primary offseason objectives was to acquire a top-tier wide receiver. While D.K. Metcalf would be a tremendous asset, realistically acquiring him seems challenging.

"I know I’m probably in the minority here, but I’m going to go with D.K. Metcalf," admits a 98.5 The Sports Hub analyst. "It’s close between him and Brandon Aiyuk, with Tee Higgins a clear third."

The analyst provides a strong argument for Metcalf, highlighting his size and skill set, which would complement Drake Maye’s offensive strengths. However, the reality might be that Metcalf’s contract situation and desirability make him unattainable for the Patriots in the current market.

Despite these challenges, the analyst suggests that the abundance of talent in the NFL gives the Patriots options, keeping their hopes alive for a top wide receiver acquisition. This pursuit, however, might stretch over multiple offseasons as they attempt to identify and land their ideal pass-catching target.

Jaheim Bell: Biggest Draft Steal for the Patriots?

The Patriots drafted Jaheim Bell, a versatile tight end, in the 2024 NFL Draft. While some consider Bell a potential steal, others believe his early-round selection was risky given his limited experience at a key position.

"Biggest draft steal for the Patriots, or for the league? For the Patriots, I’m sticking with Jaheim Bell," notes a 98.5 The Sports Hub analyst. "If he and the Patriots can figure things out – which could take time and may be a multi-season thing – he has the upside to be a real playmaker for them."

The analyst’s assessment highlights the potential of Bell and his ability to develop into a key player for the Patriots. However, it’s a long-term investment that requires patience and development to fully unlock his potential.

The analyst also considers Xavier Worthy, drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs, as a potential league-wide steal. This highlights the unpredictable nature of the draft and the possibility for teams to find hidden gems.

Conclusion: A Preseason Full of Questions

The Patriots’ preseason finale against the Washington Commanders offers a final opportunity for players to showcase their skills and for the coaching staff to evaluate their roster. The team faces several key questions heading into the regular season, particularly regarding the offensive line, the potential for position changes, and the pursuit of a top-tier wide receiver.

While some decisions might need to wait until the regular season, the Patriots’ ability to adapt and evolve their roster through the draft and free agency will be crucial in achieving their goals. With a strong defensive line and potential for offensive growth, the Patriots remain a force to be reckoned with in the AFC East.

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