Patriot Woes: What Should be done on Offense?

It is no secret that the New England Patriots offense is struggling this season especially after their loss in Kansas City on Monday night where they were shut out in the first half and had two second half touchdowns which were there first second half touchdowns this season.  The first was a Brady to LaFell connection and the second a Jimmy Garoppolo to Gronkowski connection when he came in following the benching of Tom Brady.

I keep hearing that Brady is done, that he is no longer a great quarterback.  Really?  This whole offensive issue does not solely fall on his shoulders.  The New England Patriots did not surround him with the proper talent this season and it is showing, Edelman and Gronkowski are his two main targets and Gronk is still coming back from an injury that he suffered last season.  The main issues are that they cannot protect Brady and that they have not given him the deep threat that is needed.  I do believe that Brady does take some blame, he does need to play better as well.

I still do not believe that it is time to hit the panic button just yet, the Patriots can attempt to make a trade before the deadline and help Brady out.  Here are some players the Patriots should trade for:

Brandy Lloyd, San Francisco 49ers- He is on a team with Anquan Boldin, Stevie Johnson and Michael Crabtree at the wide receiver position and he has already been in New England.  He can come back and be a help along with a familiar face to Tom Brady.

Stevie Johnson, San Francisco 49ers- Again he is on a team that has a ton of talent at the receiver spot, the Patriots know him from his days in Buffalo, and I think he would be a great fit for the Patriots.

Kenny Britt, St. Louis Rams- He is playing on a one year deal on a team that is down to its third string QB, the Rams could get some value for him and the Patriots could get a player that I feel still has a lot left in the tank.  He is only 26 so he is still young and if he plays well he could see a longer term contract.  He has baggage but the Patriots are no strangers to signing those types of players.

There is always the possibility of signing a free agent as well, here is a list of free agent receivers that should be looked at regardless of how they have played:
Nate Burleson
Mario Manningham
Jacoby Ford

Final thought: The New England Patriots need to run the ball more, it will help take pressure off of Tom Brady and will open up the passing game.  If Brady can play with a good running game it will be a benefit to the passing attack that has not shown up this season and if teams are looking for the run and Brady can throw it over the top they may be hesitant to rush the passer.  That helps because that offensive line has been leaky this season.