Patriots Fans See O-Line as Top Need After Super Bowl Loss

Survey results show offensive line upgrades are a priority for New England fans.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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According to a recent SB Nation Reacts survey, 55% of Patriots fans view offensive tackle and offensive guard as the top positions the team needs to address this offseason. The offensive line struggled with consistency during the playoffs, and fans believe it is the primary area that needs improvement following the team's Super Bowl loss.

Why it matters

The Patriots' offensive line was a weak spot in their playoff run, with left guard Will Campbell and left guard Jared Wilson both having issues. Fans see upgrading the offensive line, particularly at tackle and guard, as crucial to supporting quarterback Mac Maye and the offense going forward.

The details

The survey results show that 41% of Patriots fans want the team to focus on upgrading the offensive tackle position, while 14% see guard as the top need. The rest of the offensive line also experienced ups and downs throughout the season, leading fans to view the unit as a whole as requiring attention this offseason.

  • The Patriots lost to the Seattle Seahawks in the Super Bowl.

The players

Will Campbell

The Patriots' left guard who struggled with an MCL injury during the playoffs.

Jared Wilson

The Patriots' left guard who also had issues during the playoff run.

Mac Maye

The Patriots' quarterback who the offensive line is tasked with protecting.

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What they’re saying

“I would say offensive line in general but they need to take the best player available at 31 and at 63. Could be guard, center or RT, or a tight end that blocks like Gronk did. I want the first contact with our RB to be 1 or 2 yards beyond the line of scrimmage and football will make me happy again. However they do that I'm good with it.”

— JCRpatsfan (SB Nation Reacts)

“Depends on what Moses does. If he retires then there's a glaring hole at RT and we would have to pick a lineman. If not, then it's WR. Yes the line struggled during the super bowl, but the WRs got almost no separation. Maye needs a dependable target to throw to. We can have a fantastic line and it means nothing if the receivers can't get open and leave Maye back there just holding onto the ball.”

— SomeRandomPatsFan (SB Nation Reacts)

What’s next

The Patriots will need to address their offensive line issues through the draft and free agency, with tackle and guard being the top priorities based on fan feedback. They will also need to evaluate the future of veteran right tackle Trent Brown and determine if they need to find a long-term replacement.

The takeaway

Upgrading the offensive line is seen as the top priority for Patriots fans this offseason after the unit struggled at times during the team's Super Bowl run. Addressing the tackle and guard positions will be crucial to providing better protection for quarterback Mac Maye and opening up running lanes for the offense.