Bold predictions are flying as the NFL season kicks off on Thursday, and one ESPN writer has a strong take on the New England Patriots’ 2022 season.
ESPN’s Matt Bowen believes the Patriots will miss the playoffs in 2022. For all the talk of the team trending upward, Bowen believes the opposite will happen.
Certain signs make this prediction safer than others. For one, the Patriots do not have an offensive or defensive coordinator. Secondly, the team has retooled both the offensive line and wide receiver positions. Despite all of this, the Patriots have a promising young quarterback in Mac Jones, as well as improved pieces at wide receiver.
Nevertheless, Bowen believes the team will struggle. When providing his 2022 NFL previews, he wrote:
“The Patriots are going through a major transition in offensive philosophy after the departure of offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels. Also, the lack of team speed is visible versus the NFL’s top competition. In a loaded AFC, I don’t see the Patriots as a playoff team.”
The Patriots could have their work cut out for them, beginning this Sunday when they take on the Miami Dolphins.
New England has not won in Miami since September 2019. With new faces for both teams on both sides of the football, this should be an intriguing matchup.
