Here are six New England Patriots who need to step up for the playoffs, with the team set to face off against the Tennessee Titans in the wild-card round on Saturday at 8:15 p.m.
Tom Brady, QB: This season probably hasn’t been Brady’s worst. But it’s close to it. His statistics look a lot like his first few seasons in the NFL: 60.8 completion %, 4,057 passing yards, 24 touchdowns, eight interceptions. His 6.6 yards per attempt are his second worst (in seasons when he has started 12 games or more). The only consolation is that his interception % (1.3) is his fifth best. He knows he needs to posses the ball to win games — so he’s doing just that. The problem is that, at times, he’s only doing that. The Patriots offense needs to play better and with more consistency. That starts with Brady.
N’Keal Harry, WR: A part of Brady’s struggles have been married to his receivers’ issues. The rookie, Harry, has been among those with issues, particularly as the Patriots brought him along in his first few weeks. But the narrative has changed. Maybe he played too much in Week 10 against the Dallas Cowboys when he only had one catch. But at this point, it’s hard to imagine a scenario of him playing too much. He’s got the most upside with Mohamed Sanu apparently struggling to grasp the offense. Harry will need to be a reliable option for Brady in the playoffs.
Rex Burkhead, RB: His increased workload has me wondering whether the Patriots were saving him for the playoffs. Or, perhaps, New England coincidentally managed to get him healthy in time for the postseason push. Whatever the circumstances, Burkhead looks excellent and at a good time. The Patriots will need his contributions in the running and passing game. He has been a challenging man to tackle with the ball in his hands.
Shaq Mason, G: Mason has regressed in 2019 after a handful of Pro Bowl-caliber seasons. It’s hard imagine that he’s incapable of playing better. Certainly, his poor play is tethered to the equally rough work from Marcus Cannon. Together, they have to step up their play in the postseason. Brady and Sony Michel will depend upon it.
Jon Jones, CB: Opposing quarterbacks have bullied the slot cornerback in recent weeks. And he’s been battling a groin injury, which may be influencing his quality of coverage. The secondary, as a whole, had an atrocious Week 17. But the unit will likely see improvements from peripheral cornerbacks Stephon Gilmore and J.C. Jackson. The big question will be whether Jones can return to form as a solid slot cornerback.
Patrick Chung, S: He has had a tough few weeks in coverage, with tight ends Dawson Knox and Mike Gesicki each managing touchdowns. In Week 16, Knox got open on three different post routes, with quarterback Josh Allen delivering just one accurate pass despite having a very open tight end. And then Gesicki was open for the Dolphins’ game-winning touchdown in Week 17. Chung is typically a strong defender in coverage against tight ends — he’ll need to find his way back to that level of play.
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