6 Things New England Patriots Must Fix During Their Bye

Bill Belichick’s team stands alone atop the AFC with a 5-1 record and the best-rated offense in the league, but there is still ample work to be done before the Green Bay Packers are dethroned as the Super Bowl favorite.

There are injury concerns on both sides of the ball, the defense simply can’t stop the pass and even the offensive attack is incomplete. The Patriots come off a bye heading into Pittsburgh this weekend and have the following six areas to address to reach their Super Bowl potential in Week 8.

Protect Wes Welker

Wes Welker is on pace for a historic season at WR, and that’s a huge liability for a 5’9” target. The Patriots are well aware of his importance as the team’s fearless, over-the-middle threat and are currently in negotiations to extend Welker (perhaps before he commands a record-breaking deal for a record-breaking season).

The new protections for defenseless WR’s can’t guarantee a healthy season for Welker, and Tom would be wise to share the load until the playoffs.

Rush the Opposing Passer

The Patriots have just 10 sacks in six games and rank dead last in passing yards allowed a game (322)—a weakness that must be addressed if they have any hope against Drew Brees or Aaron Rodgers in the Big Game.

The only superstar contract on the defensive line goes to mammoth DT Vince Wilfork who is well worth the investment for contributions against the run but does little to pressure the quarterback under constant double-teams.

A pass-rush threat from the outside would relieve some pressure from an overworked secondary and substantially improve the Pats’ odds against the NFL elite.

Give Tom Time

The Patriots' only real strength is in their passing game, but what a strength it is. Their vertical attack averages more than 350 yards a game to lead the NFL, and it happens without a classic game-breaking WR in the mold of a Jerry Rice or Michael Irvin.

Tom is the reason why a guy like Deion Branch puts up stellar numbers in New England (but nowhere else), and Tom is the guy Bill needs to get to the Super Bowl. With all the passing impressive stats of 2011, you might have missed Tom’s startling interception total—eight so far this season, which puts him on pace to shatter his previous high of 14.

Establish a Rushing Attack

Workhorse BenJarvus Green-Ellis has been effective near the goal line, and rookie Steven Ridley surprised preseason pundits by claiming a change-of-pace role in the offense, but the running game has been absent in late-game situations as the Patriots have been unable to rely on their backs to kill the game clock.

Since the best way to protect your offensive weapons with a 10-plus-point lead is to keep the ball on the ground. Establishing a feared running game could be the key to the team’s postseason health.

Stop the Run

Willie McGinest led the Patriots defense during the last era so they could consistently contain the run, and the new line-backing leader Jerod Mayo has been out with injury in 2011.

He will return in the next few weeks, but the unit will need to play at their 2003 peak if they are capable of stopping the run-first Ravens in the AFC. While the defense ranks lower against the pass, the Patriots inconsistency in the trenches will doom their title chances if unaddressed.

Use or Release Chad Ochocinco

While the wide receiver formerly known as Mr. Johnson has dutifully tried to fit in with the unfamiliar Patriots offense, it might behoove the team to use him or cut bait before the situation has the potential to deteriorate.

Chad signed on with the Patriots with the right attitude and respect for Coach Belichick, but a costly Week 1 drop all but completely removed him from the mix at wide receiver. The Patriots may want him for Welker/Branch insurance, but they should make a decision on Ochocinco for the sake of everyone involved.