The New England Patriots endured a challenging 2024 season, finishing with a 4-13 record, which placed them among the league’s worst teams. This subpar performance marked the continuation of a troubling trend for the franchise, as the Patriots have now posted back-to-back disappointing seasons, falling short of expectations. While some players managed to deliver solid individual performances, there were a few who struggled mightily and were graded as among the worst in the NFL at their respective positions. Among the most glaring examples were two players whose performances highlighted a need for improvement as the team looks to rebuild for the future.
One such player who received particularly harsh criticism in 2024 was the Patriots’ offensive tackle, a position traditionally considered crucial to any team’s success. The Patriots’ offensive line had been a staple of their past dominance, but this year, it was a glaring weakness. The tackle, in particular, was often overwhelmed by opposing pass rushers and failed to provide adequate protection for the quarterback. As a result New England Patriots offense struggled to establish any semblance of consistency. The team’s struggles in the trenches were especially apparent in games where the running game couldn’t get off the ground, and the passing attack was frequently disrupted. The player’s inability to block at a high level resulted in the Patriots being unable to establish the necessary balance in their offense, which is critical for sustained success. Opposing defenses routinely targeted this weakness, and the Patriots failed to adjust, leaving the offensive line exposed and ineffective.
At various points in the season, the tackle’s grading in comparison to other players in the league was grim. Analysts and experts noted that his inability to handle speed rushers and power moves from defensive linemen led to too many quarterback pressures, sacks, and overall disruptions. With the Patriots’ offense faltering as a result of these issues, the offensive tackle became one of the most criticized players on the roster. As the team looks toward the future, addressing the offensive line will undoubtedly be a major priority. The hope is that this underperformance is an anomaly, but in 2024, this player’s struggles contributed to the team’s inability to mount a competitive offense.
The second player who received poor grades at their position was the Patriots’ starting cornerback, a player who entered the season with high expectations but failed to meet them. As one of the most crucial positions on defense, cornerback play is often a barometer for a team’s success in pass coverage, and the Patriots simply did not get the level of performance they needed from this player. Throughout the season, the cornerback was routinely beaten in coverage, with wide receivers frequently exploiting his lack of speed and inability to make plays on the ball. Whether it was failing to contest catches or allowing big yardage gains, the cornerback struggled to stay with his assignments, leading to breakdowns in the secondary. In a league that is increasingly centered on high-powered passing attacks, having a reliable cornerback is essential to keeping opposing offenses in check.
In addition to his struggles with coverage, the cornerback was often penalized for holding and pass interference violations, which only compounded his poor performance. His inability to consistently defend against top-tier wide receivers was a significant liability for the Patriots’ defense, and as the season wore on, it became clear that this was a weak point on the roster that needed to be addressed. Despite flashes of potential, the cornerback was unable to find any sustained success in 2024, and his performance was a major factor in why the Patriots’ secondary was often exploited by opposing quarterbacks.
For the Patriots to rebound from this difficult season, they will need to address the underperformance of these two key positions. The offensive tackle must improve his technique and consistency to provide a stable foundation for the offense, while the cornerback will need to step up his game to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving passing league. If the Patriots hope to return to their former glory, they will need both players to perform at a much higher level in the coming seasons. The 2024 campaign served as a harsh reminder of how important these positions are to a team’s overall success, and it will be up to the Patriots’ coaching staff and front office to ensure these issues are corrected as they prepare for the 2025 season.