ESPN Makes Curious Point When Identifying Patriots’ ‘X-Factor’

The Patriots have been deservedly slammed for the lack of upgrades made to their offensive line this offseason, with Vederian Lowe’s placement at left tackle producing plenty of concern.

New England’s problems up front run deeper than that, though, even if ESPN doesn’t think so.

Benjamin Solak put together a list of “X-factors” across the NFL for The World Wide Leader on Friday, choosing Lowe as New England’s representative.

The Patriots likely will lean on Lowe to take a major step forward this season, which is why it makes sense why he was chosen for such a list. New England’s path to implementing Drake Maye would be much easier if there wasn’t concern about the offensive line, and it likely will come sooner than many expect if the 25-year-old can become a passable option on the blindside.

Solak made a statement that we just can jive with, though:

It seems like everyone has watched the Patriots offensive line this preseason through the gaps in their fingers. New England has strength in the interior, and Chuks Okorafor is a passable option at right tackle.

WE watched THIS offensive line through the gaps in OUR fingers!? Did Benji not watch Nick Leverett, Liam Fornadel and Atonio Mafi routinely roll the ball back to the quarterback throughout the preseason? Did he forget that Caedan Wallace was drafted with the idea that he’d move to the left side before essentially being stuck at right tackle and given limited opportunities to move? Has it been brought to his attention that Lowe and Sidy Sow — the starting left side — were sidelined with injuries with just over a week to go before New England’s opener against the Cincinnati Bengals?

The Patriots’ “strength” on the interior doesn’t look so strong as of the conclusion of camp, with Leverett, David Andrews and rookie Layden Robinson slated to be the starting trio for Week 1. Cole Strange isn’t walking through that door. Sow is hurt. Mike Onwenu has to play tackle.

The Patriots have major problems on the offensive line, so even though it’s true Lowe might be their biggest “X-factor,” he’s far from their only one. But sure, we haven’t been paying attention.