Homers Only: Throw on Your Rose Colored Glasses and Get in Here

[mikey m]

We are literally a starting caliber LT (and some rookie QB development) away from competing for the division.

Bourne, Osborn, Douglas, Polk, Baker, Henry, Hooper is a better group than being credited for. With better line play (still in the works) and a QB who can actually attack all parts of the field, this is a group that opposing LBs/DBs will have to be very deep and talented to stop.

The lack of a #1 WR was brutal last year because OL did not provide time for our 2s/3s to get open, and MJ's lack of arm talent meant DBs didn't have to worry about all parts of the field (sideline, deep). Sure he could occasionally float one between the CB and safety, but not with any consistency. When Maye takes over, that will be a completely different story, especially if/when we bolster the OL.

If we can manage to also find a #1WR, great, if not at worst, we will be back to being a legitimate NFL offense early in Maye's career and as he develops, literally the sky is the limit.

The new staff just needs to handle this situation somewhat decently, and after what should be another good draft position next year, we will be in very good position to be back in the playoffs where we belong. LFG.

 

[mgteich]

We do need to add another RB, but we will.

 

[borg]

No mention the HC and DC have never called a play in a NFL game

 

[mikey m]

No mention the HC and DC have never called a play in a NFL game

 

[TheRainMaker]

We are literally a starting caliber LT (and some rookie QB development) away from competing for the division.

You are right about this being for Homers only. The Pats are still looking up at the Bills, Dolphins and Jets within the division. Brissett is going to piss a lot of people off this season with how conservative he plays. I hope Maye beats him out and starts day 1. They need a RB as I'm not sold on Gibson, a CB opposite of Gonzalez and there's a question at FS.

Bourne, Osborn, Douglas, Polk, Baker, Henry, Hooper is a better group than being credited for. With better line play (still in the works) and a QB who can actually attack all parts of the field, this is a group that opposing LBs/DBs will have to be very deep and talented to stop.

The lack of a #1 WR was brutal last year because OL did not provide time for our 2s/3s to get open, and MJ's lack of arm talent meant DBs didn't have to worry about all parts of the field (sideline, deep). Sure he could occasionally float one between the CB and safety, but not with any consistency. When Maye takes over, that will be a completely different story, especially if/when we bolster the OL.

Evan Lazar just wrote on Patriots.com about how bad the talent was on offense for quite some time now. While we are hearing good things about Polk and Baker, they still have to prove themselves. If they do and Thornton turns it around, Bourne and/or Osborn will find themselves fighting for spot. Douglas should build on what he did last season. Hooper should be a decent compliment to Henry.

"Blame whoever you want for Jones being a bust. Regardless of how you split the blame pie, this is a fact: the Patriots weapons weren't up to par with the rest of the NFL during Mac's time as the starting quarterback. With Maye, de facto GM Eliot Wolf is trying not to be an error repeater."

Film Review: Analyzing Fourth-Round WR Javon Baker's Fit in the Patriots Offense

www.patriots.com

 

[Triumph]

The question is does Maye start this season?

Not necessarily opening day, but several games in because to me the passing offense is the key that unlocks this offense.

 

[Zuma]

The question is does Maye start this season?

Not necessarily opening day, but several games in because to me the passing offense is the key that unlocks this offense.

I think he should start 2-3 games the end of the season so he can learn for next year.

 

[mikey m]

I am hoping Brissett shows well enough to justify starting him for at least half the season. I don't think Maye necessarily needs to sit the whole season, but you would think it would benefit him to not be thrown into the fire right away, plus give the OL a little more time to sort itself out.

 

[DarrylS]

Last year the Pats lost 7 games by 5 or fewer points, so this year either Ryland gets his crap together or the new guy steps up.. our record will improve for that reason alone.
Need to add a few pieces..
Brisset will be a great mentor for Maye and add some much needed leadership on Offense.
Don't think will all the close games, but my guess they will improve to 7 or 8 wins..

 

[mikey m]

Evan Lazar just wrote on Patriots.com about how bad the talent was on offense for quite some time now. While we are hearing good things about Polk and Baker, they still have to prove themselves. If they do and Thornton turns it around, Bourne and/or Osborn will find themselves fighting for spot. Douglas should build on what he did last season. Hooper should be a decent compliment to Henry.

"Blame whoever you want for Jones being a bust. Regardless of how you split the blame pie, this is a fact: the Patriots weapons weren't up to par with the rest of the NFL during Mac's time as the starting quarterback. With Maye, de facto GM Eliot Wolf is trying not to be an error repeater."

Film Review: Analyzing Fourth-Round WR Javon Baker's Fit in the Patriots Offense

www.patriots.com

Again, rose colored glasses view.
With a quarterback that can attack all parts of the field, once we get the OL playing decent football this group of weapons will look vastly better.
With all these WRs being essentially interchangeable, it should force them all to compete their asses off as they are all replaceable. Hopefully it brings out the best in them. If Thornton can show anything and add the deep threat that would be nice.

 

[neuronet]

My attitude is there is no way it's worse than last couple of seasons, materially or psychologically. It was a dumpster fire inside of a car crash on a train wreck in Foxboro. New chapter, new talent from the coaching staff on down.

 

[Joey007]

This team can make the playoffs

 

[borg]

 

[pctronics0072]

This team can make the playoffs

For the first 10 games... Then reality will set in

 

[Patsfanin Philly]

I could write all night but I'll stick to special teams. Folk hit 84% of FG attempts in 2022, while Ryland made 64% in20 23. Obviously we need a big improvement to be decent at a minimum.(duh). We can't have it costing games again.
Pumt return yards allowed used to be as strength, but last year returns averaged 10.0 yard pr return well up from 6.4 ypr the year before. Over the course of a game,it adds up.
. Clean up these aspects and work on the other parts and we;ll see what happens. Turnarounds take 2-3 years and I view this as year 1.

 

[stinkypete]

My rose colored classes homer outlook for the long term:
* Maye develops into something near his ceiling
* The team is right about Wallace, and he develops into a starting caliber OT
* Baker is coachable and realizes his athletic potential, and a starting trio of Baker/Polk/Douglas emerges as a solid WR unit
* Barmore and Dugger play up to their contracts, Gonzalez and White take the next step, Peppers resigns, the defense adds young starters at CB in EDGE in 2025, and emerges as an elite unit

Rose colored classes (but realistic) homer outlook for 2024:
* Brissett plays well enough for games to be enjoyable to watch on most weeks
* The rookie WRs see action early and often, and look like they belong
* Wallace wins the LT competition and starts week 1
* Improving in the margins still wins some games, and small improvements across the roster improve a 3 win team into a 6 or 7 win team
* Drake Maye does not see a snap until the team has a functional offensive line and an offense that has proven capable of moving the ball in chunks of more than 5 yards at a time.

We saw cap space and draft positioning and wanted instant improvement. The team opted for a longer term plan. Time will tell whether the plan is successful or not, but there is actual potential in place. If the rookie class meets 75% of its potential, then we have the makings of a sneaky playoff contender by 2025. If Maye becomes great, we become great.

My opinion, the most important place is protecting the franchise. If the offense is not ready, neither is Maye.

 

[mgteich]

My opinion, the most important place is protecting the franchise. If the offense is not ready, neither is Maye.

You mean if the OL isn't ready, then Maye isn't ready.

 

[Patriot Missile]

So many what if’s to come to fruition for this to happen. Is there a chance? Sure. But my head says progress but no dice.

Maye would have to start and be a phenom right out the gate.

The two receivers drafted would probably have to exceed expectations. Osbourne breaking out and Bourne coming back healthy would help as well.

The left tackle would have to be adequate against quality edge rushers.

The defense would have to step it up a notch. They were really good at times but not elite. Health and stallingturnover prone offense were a big reason for that.

Christian Gonzales needs to continue where he left off.

Cb2 needs to be solved. Is Bolden the guy? He showed promise but he’ll have to show more. Do they go out and get Gilmore?

FS play would need to be duplicated. Thought Peppers was pretty good. Be interested to see if Dial can make the conversion.

The kicker sucks and needs to either get his head out of his ass or be replaced. Can’t leave easy points on the field.

The coaching staff need to show it can handle development and in game coaching and game plans, half time adjustments etc.

That’s a lot to come together in 5 short months. Odds are no. Health is always key to any team winning in this league. Qb play and coaching is also. I hope it happens though. This team does feel a lot better than what we’ve seen the last couple of seasons.

 

[mikey m]

So many what if’s to come to fruition for this to happen. Is there a chance? Sure. But my head says progress but no dice.

Maye would have to start and be a phenom right out the gate.

The two receivers drafted would probably have to exceed expectations. Osbourne breaking out and Bourne coming back healthy would help as well.

The left tackle would have to be adequate against quality edge rushers.

The defense would have to step it up a notch. They were really good at times but not elite. Health and stallingturnover prone offense were a big reason for that.

Christian Gonzales needs to continue where he left off.

Cb2 needs to be solved. Is Bolden the guy? He showed promise but he’ll have to show more. Do they go out and get Gilmore?

FS play would need to be duplicated. Thought Peppers was pretty good. Be interested to see if Dial can make the conversion.

The kicker sucks and needs to either get his head out of his ass or be replaced. Can’t leave easy points on the field.

The coaching staff need to show it can handle development and in game coaching and game plans, half time adjustments etc.

That’s a lot to come together in 5 short months. Odds are no. Health is always key to any team winning in this league. Qb play and coaching is also. I hope it happens though. This team does feel a lot better than what we’ve seen the last couple of seasons.

All valid. I should clarify that this rose colored glasses view was still more directed at next year. Even I as a homer can’t buy into the idea of competing for a playoff spot this season.

 

[TheRazorsEdge]

Bro ...

Maye is the next Josh Allen.

Polk is the next Jakobi Meyers.

Javon Baker is the next T. Owens.

Caedan Wallace is basically Joe Alt just with a tan.

When it comes to the Pats I've tattooed my eyeballs rose colored.

F the jete, Bills and the phins.

LFG PATS!!