Remember When Patriots Wanted To Lead NFL In This? Well, They Don’t

Patriots offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt hoped New England's offense would become the best screen team in the league.

Given the Patriots entered the season with questions about their offensive line and a running back room of capable pass-catchers, Van Pelt's desires made plenty of sense. The quick-developing screen game, in theory, would help the Patriots move the ball through the air and counteract the opposing pass rush.

Well, the Patriots are not the best screen team through three weeks.

The Patriots attempted eight screens in three games, per Pro Football Focus. They've completed six passes on those eight dropbacks and gained 61 yards. New England surprisingly grades better on all other passing concepts, including play action.

The biggest win for the screen game came against the Seattle Seahawks in Week 2. Patriots quarterback Jacoby Brissett threw a sidearm pass to tight end Hunter Henry, who gained 35 yards on the explosive play.

For those who aren't mathematicians, that means New England's other five completions on screen passes totaled 26 yards (5.2 yards per completion).

Rhamondre Stevenson was blown up on a screen against the Cincinnati Bengals after center David Andrews couldn't get out to block linebacker Germaine Pratt. The Patriots would have had another explosive play against the Seahawks on a screen to Stevenson, who had Michael Jordan, Layden Robinson and Andrews out in front of him. However, Seattle defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins read it perfectly and caused Brissett to alter his throw with the pocket collapsing.

Van Pelt called a screen to DeMario Douglas against the New York Jets in Week 3 -- a good way to get Douglas involved -- but the shifty receiver had to work all the way back across the field just to gain one yard.

New England thus far has failed to deliver on the plays Van Pelt had high hopes for. But given the Patriots have an eye-popping 368 passing yards (!) -- not eye-popping in a good way -- perhaps a heavier dose of said plays could help? Especially considering the Patriots rank among the worst in the league in pass-blocking metrics.

Things won't get any easier for the Patriots as New England travels to the San Francisco 49ers for a Week 4 game at Levi's Stadium on Sunday.