Marcus Jones has been a dynamic special teamer and a strong complementary presence as a slot cornerback.
Marcus Jones has been a dynamic special teamer and a strong complementary presence as a slot cornerback.Matthew J. Lee/Globe Staff
Big mailbag this week. Readers are curious about the ground game, Keion White, the possibility of a new deal for Marcus Jones, and more. Let’s get to it.
Why can’t the line run block? I thought all of them had reputations for being at least average run blockers.
— Tim C., Charlestown, R.I.
Against the Saints, the run game left them with too many third and longs. Was it the run blocking?
— Tom in Maine
It’s not all on the offensive line. There are four major issues, in no particular order: One, they’ve had problems turning smallish runs into explosive ones. Opposing linebackers have done well in containing New England’s backs. There haven’t been a lot of missed tackles on the second level.
Two, the Patriots are one of the worst running teams in the league in yards after contact. They have to be better at breaking tackles.
Three, the fumbles and changes they’ve made (because of injury and ineffectiveness) have made it difficult to get any real traction. Backs need sustained reps to get going, and they haven’t had that.
And four, it can take some time for a running back to learn the strengths and weaknesses of an offensive line. Rhamondre Stevenson alluded to this when I asked him earlier in the season about the acclimation process. With four new starting offensive linemen, it’s probably taken longer than expected.
What’s up with Keion White? Seemed like he really liked the idea of moving from Jerod Mayo to Mike Vrabel, but it feels like he really hasn’t made an impact this season.
— Rodney, Billerica
White was one of the players who was happiest about the move from Mayo to Vrabel, telling me in the spring, “Now, I feel like I have a coach.” But he’s been a nonfactor for much of the first six games. Even though the Patriots have rotated a lot up front, White has played an average of 27 defensive snaps while dealing with an illness and elbow issues. To get a sense of his mind-set, I’ve asked him multiple times this season if he would be interested in speaking, but he’s declined on every occasion. There’s still a lot of football to be played, but it’s been a less-than-ideal start for White.
In comparing the Patriots’ and Bills’ remaining games, do the Patriots have the easiest path to the division title?
— Ed Helinski, via Bluesky
That’s a dangerous game. As I wrote last week, strength of schedule arguments can be fluid; that Patriots-Ravens game later this season becomes a lot tougher for New England if Lamar Jackson comes back, for example. Acccording to Tankathon, the Patriots have the easiest schedule the rest of the way, but the Bills aren’t that far behind. Ultimately, New England has an easier road now, but there are a lot of variables to consider between now and the end of the season.
The Patriots are announcing Marcus Jones’s extension/new contract . . . when? The guy has been awesome on special teams since he entered the league, but he’s really upped his play on defense.
— Nick, Washington
Jones, who is in the last year of his rookie deal, is one of the players who should be at or near the top of the list for a new deal. He’s been a dynamic special teamer, while also serving as a strong complementary presence in the slot. (That doesn’t even consider the possibility of being a part-time offensive option.) A lot to consider there contractually, especially because his versatility makes it hard to find a possible comparison. But he’s certainly made his case for a new deal.
Give me your top five when it comes to the Patriots’ MVP so far.
— Charles White, Falmouth
Quarterback Drake Maye: The obvious No. 1. He continues to grow and impress every week. In a quarterback-driven league, he’s helped make the Patriots relevant again.
Wide receiver Stefon Diggs: The veteran has been a go-to target for Maye in key moments, and has emerged as a true leader. It feels like we’re still in the honeymoon phase with him, but he’s been the impact player the Patriots hoped for when they signed him.
Defensive tackle Milton Williams: It says something that he signed a $100 million contract this offseason and no one has suggested he’s overpaid. One of the most disruptive defensive linemen the Patriots have had in the last 20 years.
Milton Williams has been a disruptive force in his first season with the Patriots.
Milton Williams has been a disruptive force in his first season with the Patriots.Maria Lysaker/Associated Press
Tight end Hunter Henry: The steadiest player on the roster, which makes him a great luxury for a young quarterback.
Right tackle Morgan Moses: He makes this list because of his elite leadership skills. One of the most well-respected guys in the locker room, he’s not going to the Pro Bowl, but he has served as an important mentor for young linemen Will Campbell and Jared Wilson.
Christopher Price can be reached at christopher.price@globe.com. Follow him on Bluesky at christopherprice.bsky.social.