Overview
- On Sunday, offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels publicly took responsibility for New England’s offensive breakdown in the Super Bowl, saying “I didn’t do a good enough job” and asking reporters to “point it at me.”
- Seattle overwhelmed the Patriots in the title game, recording six sacks and multiple takeaways that exposed New England’s trouble handling disguised pressures and run fits.
- New England’s offseason response focused on protection with the addition of Alijah Vera-Tucker, positional moves such as Jared Wilson returning to center, draft depth and work to get left tackle Will Campbell healthy.
- Quarterback Drake Maye and coaches all say Seattle remains tough to attack because it defends well at all three levels, plays physically and disguises its pressure packages.
- The Sept. 9 opener at Lumen Field will serve as an immediate on-field measure of whether the Patriots’ line work, scheme adjustments and McDaniels’ game plan can limit the specific rush concepts that dominated the Super Bowl.