#PostPulpit Mailbag: What is wrong with the run game on both sides of the ball?

The bye week is right around the corner for the New England Patriots, but first lies a Monday Night matchup against the New York Giants. While New York is the first team to be eliminated from playoff contention and now feature an interim head coach and defensive coordinator, New England is limping into the bye week losing a handful of impact starters over the last two weeks.

So, let’s get into this week’s #PostPulpit Mailbag.

Even prior to this weeks injuries,the running game has been very weak. I think the oline is a vast improvement over what they’ve had for several years. McDaniels is back as Offensive Coordinator and the backs are certainly better than average. What do you think the major issues are with the run game? – Badger71

It’s a boring answer, but execution is the biggest issue currently in the run game. And to make it even worse, it is not one reoccurring problem that is hampering them. Some blame falls on the offensive line, some on the running backs, and some (like the fourth-and-goal stuff vs. the Bengals) falls on Maye’s decision making pre- and post-snap at the line of scrimmage.

What’s been wrong with the run defense the past few weeks? – Mike

Injuries haven’t helped. They missed Milton Williams’ disruptiveness behind the line of scrimmage last week against the Bengals and their depth took a bigger hit when Khyiris Tonga then left with a chest injury.

But, the decline started before Williams got hurt in the Jets game as they have allowed over 5.0 yards per carry dating back to the game in Tampa Bay. The biggest issue appears to be building a wall up front, as defensive lineman having been getting pushed backwards as they’ve allowed over two more yards before contact in recent weeks than the start of the season. That was a major issue in Cincinnati as the Bengals averaged 3.0 yards before contact across 22 rushes.

Compound question if I may. Our rookie OLinemen Campbell and Wilson seem to have avoided long-term injuries. Is there a timeline for their return? And how does their absences affect the style of offense? Will Vrabel and Josh choose to run the ball less behind an even weaker line, or do you anticipate no major changes? – LandenPatz1

I would not expect any major changes. Josh McDaniels is already one of the best when it comes to scheming up help for his tackles with chips or sliding protections. They did that a fair amount for both tackles already, so don’t see why it changes now with Vederian Lowe at left tackle.

Is there any explanation for the fact that Brady, who may have possessed as little pure athletic talent as anyone in NFL history, had an innate ability to always pick up a first down on a QB sneak; yet Drake Maye, who is as naturally gifted as they come, is so inherently bad at it? Are you as shocked as I am that McDaniels and Vrabel haven’t been able to coach this up better? – RyeRivers

Even dating back to last year Maye looked awkward running the QB sneak. Brady was always able to pick the right gaps and get low, which both appear to be problems for Maye. He always seems too upright and often turns his back to the line of scrimmage.

Speaking earlier this week, Maye, however, made it appear to be more of a mentality-based issue:

“I gotta find a way to get in, I think that’s the biggest thing,” Maye said. “I don’t think there’s an art, I think there’s a mentality. I got to flip a switch or, I don’t know, do some smelling salts in there. Do something to get in the end zone from the one. I should’ve snapped it before, I held the cadence a little long to let them adjust.

“I’ve been successful sometime this year on QB sneaks. Did them a lot in college from the one-yard line. Got to find a way to hold onto the football and try to get the yard.”

I’m only 34, but keeping up with the times is getting harder and harder…Can you explain what the heck the Drake “Drake Maye” Maye meme/comment means/it’s origins? – jpage1003

Drake Maye is so good that he doesn’t need a nickname. Hence, his “nickname” is just his name.

Will this be the year for Rodney Harrison to make the Hall of Fame? – coolbeanz

It should be. Rodney is long beyond due.

That’s all for this week’s #PostPulpit mailbag. If you have questions you’d liked to be answered next week, submit them online in our weekly submission post or on Twitter using #PostPulpit. Make sure to be following @iambrianhines and @PatsPulpit as well.