It is no secret the New England Patriots are struggling this year.
They are not the same ol’ dominant New England team that would take the AFC by storm.
A large part of that, is because Tom Brady is gone.
But, coming into the year, a lot of key defensive players opted out due to COVID-19.
Now, they are dealing with multiple injuries.
To try and help solve their woes, the Patriots went out and signed a wide receiver.
Patriots Sign WR Donte Moncrief To Practice Squad
The New England Patriots are currently 2-5, sitting at 3rd place in the AFC East.
At the beginning of the season, it seemed as if the Patriots might have been on to something with Cam Newton.
Ever since COVID-19 has hit this organization, they have not looked like the same team.
They played the Buffalo Bills close, but ultimately lost due to a Cam Newton fumble.
Apart of the problem is the offensive struggles.
In fact, a large reason as to why Brady left was due to the lack of weaponry on offense.
To try and help solve their problems, the Patriots signed former Colts WR, Donte Moncrief, to the practice squad.
Patriots sign veteran wide receiver Donte Moncrief to practice squad https://t.co/Opd1qyk2Uk pic.twitter.com/HrHQl9r0nQ
— Boston.com Patriots News (@BDCPatriots) November 4, 2020
Moncrief has had stints with the Colts, Panthers, Jaguars and Steelers.
In 2019, he recorded 0 touchdowns, but the Patriots believe he has a high upside.
Montcrief is a 6’2 wideout who is known to be a good route runner.
He can help add some dynamic play calling to this offense with screen passes as well as trick plays.
In addition, prior to the trade deadline, the Patriots also traded for WR Isaiah Ford.
A rare intra-division trade: Dolphins are trading WR Isaiah Ford to the New England Patriots, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 3, 2020
Ford is a speedster who may be able to add a depth threat to this offense.
New England Patriots Offensive Woes
All offensive struggles start and end with the quarterback.
QB Cam Newton is playing for his NFL life this season as he received little to no interest in the offseason.
His biggest problem has been accuracy, and this is once again a problem this year.
Newton touched upon his experience thus far in New England.
Cam shared what he’s learned in New England:
“Losing is not acceptable in this locker room, in this county, in this state … so Cameron Newton, you need to pick your expletive up.”
Cam shared what he's learned in New England:
"Losing is not acceptable in this locker room, in this county, in this state … so Cameron Newton, you need to pick your expletive up."
(via @Patriots) pic.twitter.com/Md48vmkgOu
— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) October 29, 2020
Thus far on the year, Newton has a completion percentage of 66, which is second-best in his career.
But, overall, that’s a mediocre completion percentage in the NFL.
He has thrown 2 touchdowns and 7 interceptions, while also rushing for 6 touchdowns.
But, not all the blame can be put on him as his wide receivers are dealing with injuries.
Julian Edelman has a knee injury that will cost him “some game action’ but isn’t expected to end his season, per @jeffphowe pic.twitter.com/0BKcGVGroH
— B/R Gridiron (@brgridiron) October 29, 2020
Also, second-year wideout, N’Keal Harry is dealing with an injury that kept him sidelined against the Bills.
This week, the Patriots will look to turn things around as they face the winless Jets on Monday Night Football.
NEXT: Bill Belichick Questioned Over Reducing Chase Winovich's Playing Time