PFW's Paul Perillo says ...
OFFENSIVE LINE
The Patriots didn't wait for the trade deadline to make moves but there's stil work that could be done to improve the team. Offensively Tom Brady & Co. have been outstanding, racking up yards and points at an alarming rate. But there have been times during games when even Brady has been slowed, and usually those times coincide with problems in pass protection. The offensive line is playing better than it did a year ago but I still have concerns whenever the group is forced to go against a quality pass rush. At times New England has had trouble against even weak defensive fronts, like in Pittsburgh when the Steelers were able to disrupt the timing a bit. Adding a quality offensive lineman - there have been rumors that Pro Bowl tackles Joe Thomas and Joe Staley could be available - could solidify the team's biggest area of concern.
- PP
The Patriots are among the most active teams in football when it comes to the trade deadline and Bill Belichick has already been hard at work. Earlier this week he pulled off a pair of trades, acquiring linebacker Kyle Van Noy from Detroit and sending tight end AJ Derby to Denver.
But the actual trade deadline is still a few days away on Nov. 1, it's certainly possible that the Patriots coach would like to pull off another move or two. With that in mind this week's Samsonite Make Your Case question is: What position should the Patriots target at the trade deadline?
PFW's Paul Perillo says ...
OFFENSIVE LINE
The Patriots didn't wait for the trade deadline to make moves but there's stil work that could be done to improve the team. Offensively Tom Brady & Co. have been outstanding, racking up yards and points at an alarming rate. But there have been times during games when even Brady has been slowed, and usually those times coincide with problems in pass protection. The offensive line is playing better than it did a year ago but I still have concerns whenever the group is forced to go against a quality pass rush. At times New England has had trouble against even weak defensive fronts, like in Pittsburgh when the Steelers were able to disrupt the timing a bit. Adding a quality offensive lineman - there have been rumors that Pro Bowl tackles Joe Thomas and Joe Staley could be available - could solidify the team's biggest area of concern.
- PP
PFW's Andy Hart says ...
CORNERBACK
I don't have many issues with the offense, and with the potential to add Dion Lewis to the mix that group could be downright scary during the second half. I do worry about the depth in the secondary, and if something happens to one of the starters those concerns would escalate in a hurry. Malcolm Butler and Logan Ryan have been extremely durable but behind them there are question marks. It looks like Eric Rowe is making a push for a role, but he's already been hurt and the depth still leaves me concerned. The Patriots need to add another quality cover man to add to the secondary to help the defense make the next step. So far the unit has done a nice job of holding the points down but there have been some warning signs. Most of those are due to the secondary. Adding talent there could complete the defense.
- AH
Now it's your turn to cast a vote in this week's Samsonite Make Your Case poll question.
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