Naomi Feinstein
2 min read • August 04, 2022
Posted in
2021 record: 10-7 | 2022 FanDuel 0/U win total: 8.5
After a seven-game winning streak led by rookie quarterback Mac Jones, the Patriots had a disappointing ending to the 2021 season. The team dropped three of the last four games including a blowout loss to the Bills in the AFC wildcard.
Despite the disappointing finish, last season revealed the potential for Jones to be a top quarterback in the league. He threw for 3,801 yards with 22 touchdowns, 13 interceptions and a 67.5 completion percentage.
The team enters the 2022 season looking to build around its young quarterback and return to Brady-era dominance. New England went out and got wide receiver Devante Parker from division-rival Dolphins.
If he can stay healthy, Parker can become a weapon for Jones. He finished last season with 40 receptions for 515 yards and 2 touchdowns. However, the 29-year-old receiver’s only full season came in 2019.
The offensive line also has injury questions. Offensive tackles Trent Brown and Isaiah Wynn have had difficulties staying healthy. Brown will start on the left with Wynn on the right side on the line.
Center David Andrews missed the entire 2019 season because of blood clots in his lungs and there is always a risk for the blood clots to reappear.
Running back and dynamic pass-catcher James White only appeared in three games last season before suffering a season-ending hip injury. The offense will have to rely on running backs Rhamondre Stevenson and Damien Harris. Stevenson and Harris both need to improve their pass-catching after combining for only 255 receiving yards last season. With White bothered by his hip, the team will lack a receiving threat in the backfield.
32-year-old cornerback and Super Bowl XLIX hero Malcolm Butler returns to the Patriots this season after his one-year retirement stint. During his last full season in 2020 with the Tennessee Titans, Butler tallied 4 interceptions, 86 solo tackles and 14 passes defended.
The Patriots also signed former Giants safety Jabrill Peppers in the offseason. He only appeared in 6 games last season before tearing his ACL. Before the season-ending injury, Peppers allowed 19 receptions on 23 targets and added 22 solo tackles and 1 sack.
The Michigan alum provides versatility and explosiveness that Belichick will look to exploit on defense. He is opening training camp on the physically-unable perform list, which also includes Andrews.
The 30-year-old running back is returning from a worrisome hip injury that limited him to only two full games last season. During his time with the Patriots, White has excelled catching passes out of the backfield. From 2015 to 2020, White averaged around 530 receiving yards per season. Patriot fans should not expect to see the same White eluding defenders out of the backfield. He is on the PUP list to start training camp and is unlikely to play this season, according to our team of doctors.
Wynn played 16 games last season while dealing with lingering ankle and hip injuries. The left tackle gave up 6 sacks out of 915 offensive snaps played. Pro Football Focus graded him a 74.9 overall.
Brown appeared in nine games at right tackle last season. He dealt with lingering calf injuries throughout the season that should now be behind him. It is worth noting Brown has only appeared in 25 of 50 games in the last three seasons because of injuries. Brown is now moving back to the position he played during the 2018 season to help the Patriots secure their sixth Super Bowl title. While protecting Tom Brady’s blindside that season, Brown only allowed three sacks.
Written by Naomi Feinstein
