The New England Patriots have made offensive strides over their last six games, but the running game continues to struggle.
The team is averaging just 91.5 yards per game on the ground, prompting speculation about a potential trade before the November 4 deadline.
Some analysts believe New England should add a running back, while others argue the roster has enough talent but lacks creative play calling to unlock its potential.
Analyst Ted Johnson Jr. has identified a troubling pattern in offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels’ approach that may be holding the unit back.
“When he is under center, it’s a 72% run rate. 92% pass rate when he’s in shotgun. That would tell you, okay, shotgun, it’s a pass, under center, it’s a run. You got to mix that up. You got to change your tendencies or else teams are going to know exactly what you’re doing. So, there’s predictability in the play calling when it comes from Josh McDaniels,” Johnson said on WEEI Afternoons.
“The Patriots rushing attack is too predictable and lacks creativity” – @Teddyjradio pic.twitter.com/ZpyGZr8P07
— WEEI Afternoons (@WEEIAfternoons) October 16, 2025
Johnson believes the defenses can easily anticipate what’s coming based on whether quarterback Drake Maye lines up under center or in shotgun formation.
Beyond the predictable scheme, execution issues are compounding the problem.
The offensive line misses too many blocks, running backs hesitate in the backfield, and the run game lacks creativity.
Johnson believes the Patriots need more than straight-ahead runs with this roster.
The athletic offensive line should be getting the ball outside through toss sweeps, pulls, and misdirection to create space and exploit defensive alignments.
TreVeyon Henderson has shown flashes of ability but hasn’t received enough opportunities to establish rhythm.
He’s carried the ball just 41 times for 148 yards, which isn’t sufficient volume to find consistency.
After Antonio Gibson suffered a torn ACL in Week 5, Henderson moved up as the No. 2 back.
The Patriots need to trust him earlier in games, allow him to get comfortable, and give him the workload to prove his capabilities moving forward.
The post Analyst Calls Out Big Concern With Patriots appeared first on The Cold Wire.
