There’s not much at stake for the New England Patriots’ passing offense. The team isn’t going to make the playoffs — not with a 2% chance. Their passing offense has the fewest touchdowns in the NFL (8) and the fourth-fewest passing yards per game (185.4). They can’t get much worse — which is why it could be the perfect time for the Patriots to see what they have in their young tight ends.
There’s been tremendous discussion about what the Patriots have lacked in talent at receiver this year. But the shortcomings at tight end have been pronounced.