OPEN QUESTION
If the OL were healthy, how bad is this Offense? I contend that the talent would be better than in 2023.
1) Four starters are back. When they are healthy, we should expect them to better than in 2022.
2) the 5th starter has been a question mark at least since camp started.
Compared to Wynn or McDermott, how much worse a 5th OL are Anderson, Reiff, Lowe and Sow?
3) OK, the OG backups aren't OL starters. Are they really much worse than our 2022 interior OL backups? Do even remember their names? Ferentz, Russey, Murray, Hines? I think this year's is as good.
BOTTOM LINE
A) the talent at OL is at least as good as last year, certainly so when they are healthy.
B) We needed an additional solid starter. Our GM didn't get one.
C) Going into the season, given the injuries, we need to trade for an OL, even it took a 2nd or 3rd. The season depended on getting help. Our GM failed to buy the groceries.
D) Is the OL group much worse than 2022 with Bourne, Douglas, Parker, Thornton and Boutte? Sure, Schuster was a mistake. HOWEVER, better play by the OL, would make this an OK corps of receivers, below average, but OK. And sure, Belichick should continue to explore trades.
E) Are our RB's worse than in 2022? Of course not! Are our TE's better than in 2022? Of course nor.
F) Are our 2022 and 2023 draftees good enough to help the team? Of course they are.
With our injuries, we were a long shot to be in the playoffs. We have to blame something or somebody.
CAUSES OF CURRENT FAILURE
1) health of OL
2) Coach and GM allowing the Patricia fiasco which led to regression of QB.
3) GM not getting enough OL help in the off-season.
4) GM not getting enough OL help after OL injuries in camp and in the early games.
5) Quarterback play.
6) coaching of QB