Who's really to blame for disastrous Patriots season

Neglecting the offensive line in the draft

In 2023, the Patriots gave up the ninth-most sacks (48) behind an old, injury-plagued offensive line. In the offseason, New England desperately needed to add quality linemen — especially tackles — in the NFL Draft. But the only offensive lineman the Patriots drafted was guard Caeden Wallace in the third round. 

Although Wallace made an impact in the six games he was healthy for, starting twice, he did not do enough. In 2024, the Patriots were the fifth-most sacked team (52), a poorer performance than in 2023. Blame Wolf's draft.

Relying on tackle Chukwuma Okorafor

Wolf signed the 27-year-old in March, intending to make him the starter.

Twelve snaps into Week 1, Okorafor (No. 77) was benched after a series of poor plays such as this:

The following week, Okorafor was placed on the exempt/left squad list. Per Karen Guregian of MassLive.com, he was frustrated with his play. 

For the remainder of the season, the Patriots had issues at offensive tackle. Had Wolf settled on a tackle who lasted more than 12 regular- season snaps, as Okorafor did, New England's line might have improved over its dismal 2023 showing. 

Failing to obtain a playmaker 

In free agency and the draft, Wolf failed to add offensive playmakers. 

Polk, Javon Baker (a fourth-round rookie), K.J. Osborn (signed through free agency) and Jalen Reagor (free agent) were Wolf's offseason additions at wide receiver. In 2024, the four players combined for 27 catches, 294 receiving yards and three touchdowns. The Patriots waived Reagor and Osborn at midseason.

In the offseason, Wolf tried to sign WR Calvin Ridley, but he passed on New England's offer and signed a four-year, $92M deal with the Tennessee Titans. In 2024, Ridley had 64 receptions for 1,017 yards and four touchdowns. 

GMs should improve teams, but Wolf repeatedly failed to upgrade New England. Whether it was decisions regarding the offensive line, receiving corps or just general drafting strategy, he flopped.  

Solely blaming Mayo for the dumpster fire that was 2024 for New England ignores reality. Sticking with Wolf for even one more offseason risks repeating history.