FOXBORO, Mass. — New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick is spreading around the blame for his team’s struggles.
The Patriots are 26th in total offense, 27th in passing and 22nd in rushing this season, and their offensive line has been perhaps their weakest unit. The O-line, which no longer features Patriots mainstay guard Logan Mankins or coach Dante Scarnaecchia, has surrendered constant pressure in the passing game and has failed to open holes in the run game.
Belichick said the offense as a whole, not just the line, as to improve, however.
“We need to do everything better offensively. It’s not any one problem,” Belichick said Wednesday. “It’s a number of lack-of-consistency issues, lack of execution. So, we have to do a better job on everything.”
The Patriots’ offensive line faces a difficult challenge this week as they prepare for the Kansas City Chiefs, who have two top-tier edge rushers in Tamba Hali and Justin Houston, and a penetrating nose tackle in Dontari Poe. The Patriots’ communication on offense also will be tested in Arrowhead Stadium, one of the league’s loudest settings.
“We have 11 guys playing out there, so it will be a challenge at every position,” Belichick said. “They have a good front. They’re big inside; they’re fast on the edge. They’ve got good depth. We’re going to have to block all of them. It will be a challenge for every guy. It will be a challenge for our receivers to get open, for our running backs to find holes and space in the running game. We’re going to have to do a good job with 11 guys. Coaching staff, we’re all going to have to do a good job. It’s a good defense. They have a lot of good players.”
