Shocking Revelation: Analyst Uncovers Hidden Threat Jeopardizing Patriots’ Season

So, here we are again, staring down the New England Patriots’ running game—and wondering why it feels like déjà vu in slow motion. Six weeks of offensive progress, sure, but when your ground attack averages barely 91.5 yards per game, it’s fair to ask: Is this a roster problem, or is it just play calling stuck in a predictable loop? Analyst Ted Johnson Jr. points out a glaring flaw in Josh McDaniels’ script that defenses are reading as easily as a Sunday morning paper. Imagine calling a run when under center 72% of the time, then flipping to a 92% pass rate from shotgun—opponents are practically writing the Patriots’ next move before the snap. And that’s before you factor in a hesitant backfield and an offensive line missing its notes. It begs the question: Can New England’s talented athletes break free from these shackles of predictability, or is the clock ticking on a potential trade before November 4? Let’s dig into the messy, maddening, but utterly fascinating breakdown of a Patriots offense craving some imagination on the ground.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - OCTOBER 12: Drake Maye #10 of the New England Patriots hands the ball to Rhamondre Stevenson #38 during the NFL 2025 game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome on October 12, 2025 in New Orleans, Louisiana."" — (Photo by Kenneth Richmond/Getty Images)

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.

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