The Patriots are suddenly a team that’s trending in the right direction.

After seeing the Patriots win two of their last three games, fans are suddenly asking if the team could be playoff-bound. This week’s mailbag also includes questions about what the Patriots should do in the draft, where Mike Onwenu will play long-term and more.

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@jbrizzy000
Do you believe the patriots have the ability to make a playoff push for at least a wildcard position?

It’s not impossible for the Patriots to make the playoffs, but I view it as very unlikely. This is the same team that lost six straight earlier in the season, and wasn’t able to beat the Jaguars or Titans.

I believe the Patriots showed improvement last week, even though the Bears proved to be an extremely flawed team, but that was a legitimate 19-3 win. The Bears didn’t even turn the ball over, and the Patriots still trounced them.

And say what you will about the Bears’ offensive line, but about half of those sacks were coverage sacks, which speaks to the defense’s ability to cover D.J. Moore, Rome Odunze and Keenan Allen.

I would be a little bit scared of what I saw from Caleb Williams if I was a Bears fan. His body language showed a lot to be desired, but I digress.

The Patriots have proven they can win games. But I don’t see them finishing with a winning record. Too many difficult games left against the Dolphins, Cardinals, Bills (x2) and Chargers.

@usa_k9
With a rookie seeming to be limited to RG, what position do the Pats have planned in the long term for Mike Onwenu?

I think this year has proven that the Patriots are willing to be flexible with Mike Onwenu’s position, since they even tried him out at left guard last week in practice. I think he’ll probably stick at right guard or right tackle, depending on who impresses more out of right guard Layden Robinson or right tackle Caedan Wallace.

I wouldn’t rule out left guard either.

I know the Patriots really like Robinson, and perhaps he could make a major jump in Year 2. But I wouldn’t put so much stock in Robinson at this point to rule out Onwenu continuing to play right guard if that’s his best position.

The Patriots need upgrades all over their offensive line.

@K__VET
Whenever the Patriots do find their footing and become a good team again – will they be a baby face or heel? Drake seems so likable that there might be a chance people outside of New England root for the Pats … or does this franchise have too much historic heat that Drake’s heel turn is inevitable?

That’s a great question. I think they wind up still being heels. Fans of AFC teams ultimately don’t care that Bill Belichick and Tom Brady are gone. They still see that Flying Elvis and think of all of the times they lost to the Patriots. And it was a lot.

@Cmerc5
Do you see changes to OC or DC if we keep winning? What would it need to look like for us to give them all a year 2?

If they keep winning, then no, I don’t see changes at offensive coordinator or defensive coordinator.

I think if the offense stays stagnant at this point, then perhaps the Patriots could make a switch at offensive coordinator if the right guy (Brian Daboll?) becomes available. If the defense goes back to struggling, then Jerod Mayo would have to take on a bigger role before DeMarcus Covington was fired.

@mynameisMarc
More wins = Damaged draft, and rebuilding options? True or False.

I think it can go both ways.

Yeah, if the Patriots keep winning, then their draft capital will decrease, but perhaps free agents would be more willing to sign to play with Drake Maye.

I do think higher draft pick equals a better long-term future, so ultimately I guess I would say true. But there are absolutely long-term benefits to winning.

@ahcoffin
How likely is it that the Pats sign Tee Higgins and draft a tackle this offseason? I’ve started to hear mixed reviews on the top tackles, any other options through free agency or trade?

There are some potential options in free agency at offensive tackle. Cam Robinson, Garrett Bolles, Ronnie Stanley, Patrick Mekari and Jedrick Wills all could hit free agency.

Cleveland Browns tackle Jedrick Wills Jr. looks on during a NFL game against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday, Oct. 13, 2024 in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Chris Szagola)

Wills is an interesting option, given his history on the Browns with Alex Van Pelt.

I like Tet McMillan, but I’m not sure if the options at the top of the draft at wide receiver are sure things either.

My opinion on the draft has shifted, though. I would simply take the best player. I’m not locking myself into needs this year. The Patriots did that in last year’s draft and might have hurt themselves forcing picks at wide receiver and tackle.

@RickLawsonEP
Looking at the current roster with an eye to the future, is the glass half empty or half full? How many holes do you see still needing to be filled?

It’s half full, if only because they have their quarterback.

But there are a ton of needs.

Immediate: Wide receiver, offensive tackle, guard, defensive end, cornerback.

Near future: Tight end, center, defensive tackle, linebacker.

Eliot Wolf needs to be busy this offseason.