Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images
The New England Patriots have had a difficult time blocking for their quarterbacks and creating holes for their running backs all season, and on Sunday, it was more of the same.
Things got so bad up front for New England that they benched right tackle Demontrey Jacobs in the second half and replaced him with second-year offensive lineman Sidy Sow, who had never played right tackle in the NFL before the Sunday.
After the game, Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo explained his decision to swap offensive tackles in the middle of the loss.
He was having a tough game, Mayo said. Whether it was penalties or blocking the edge, he was having a tough game. Weve got to protect the quarterback. As an offensive lineman, thats what we do. We protect quarterbacks, and we have to open up holes for the backs.
Mayo is correct in his assessment of his starting right tackle. He was penalized twice and was credited with allowing nine pressures, six hurries and two sacks by Pro Football Focus. He received a 17.9 pass-blocking grade and a 22.6 overall grade, which was a team-low against Miami and a career-low for Jacobs.
The 26-year-old wasnt the only offensive tackle to struggle on Sunday, as Vederian Lowe was penalized four times in the contest and allowed three pressures and two sacks of his own.
On Monday, Mayo confirmed that there may be some lineup changes coming before they take the field next, which means Sow could get the start on the right side. They also have Caleb Jones and Jalen McKenzie on the practice squad, and Caedan Wallace on injured reserve, who could get opportunities at some point this season.
Things cant get much worse than they were in this loss to Miami, so all options should be on the table.
