The New England Patriots are searching for answers as their season gets off to a slow start. Yes, the team is undefeated, but the offense may not be able to keep up winning if injuries continue to plague star players. Tom Brady is trying to work up a young wide receivers corps as two of his favorite targets sit out with injuries. Noticeably frustrated, Brady says that he is to blame for the sputtering offense.
Two weeks into the season and the Patriots' offense ranks near the bottom in plenty of statistical categories. They are tied for 25th in points (18 per game) and 22nd in total offensive yards per game (331.5). This is certainly not typical for the New England Patriots, but for now it is a pretty correct picture of exactly what the team has to work with right now. Brady is leading a group of inexperienced players, but says that it is he needing to do the most improvement.
"It's overall execution of our whole offense," Brady told WEEI's Dennis & Callahan. "It's not the receiver position. It's every position, including the quarterback position. So it's the quarterback position, the running backs, tight ends, receivers, we all have to be on the same page. And until we are, we're going to struggle. I'm really glad we've won these last two games. I think our defense has done such a great job of limiting points and scoring opportunities for our team, getting us great field position. We just haven't done much to take advantage of those things."
For now, Julian Edelman is the team's top receiver. Danny Amendola is out with what could be a more serious hip injury than expected. The Patriots are getting mixed reports that he either needs surgery and could miss an extended amount of time or just needs rehab and will return in a couple of weeks. Until then, Edelman is at the top of the depth chart. He put up 13 catches against the Jets, but that will not be enough against a premier defense.
Aaron Dobson and Kenbrell Thompkins are trying to get up to speed as quickly as possible. The rookies are all the Patriots have right now. Brady insists that they are doing exactly what is expected of them and their positive attitude could pay off later in the season. Until then, he will shoulder the blame.
"I'm not making all the right plays, either," Brady said. "It's not like the rookie receivers are messing up all the time -- no, not at all. Look, I've been really able to count on those guys. They've done an incredible job. I think we've got to improve in all aspects of our offense, and that will hopefully remove some of the burden that is fallen on the receivers right now."
