The New England Patriots are on a historic dynasty run the NFL has never seen before. They have their 6th Super Bowl ring under legendary head coach Bill Belichick and gunslinger Tom Brady in an 18 year span. They defeated the Rams of Los Angeles this past February 13-3. The Patriots are the the power house of the AFC and arguably the whole league. People speculate that they may be on a downfall, mostly due to the retirement of Rob Gronkowski, and the departures of key free agents Trey Flowers and Trent Brown, among others. The Patriots, even after letting key people leave, still succeed with who they have. They will continue to do that this year and here’s why.
Even though big names left this year who were an impact on the field, the Patriots will still thrive under the control of Belichick and Brady in particularly. The biggest issue for the Patriots has always been the defense. The departure of defensive coordinator Brian Flores, who is now the Miami Dolphins head coach, did not help. Also Greg Schiano who came from Ohio State who has had NFL coaching experience left after agreeing to be the new defensive coordinator. So that’s when the genius mind of Belichick comes into play, considering he will be calling the defense this year. The Patriots brought back former Browns linebacker Jamie Collins, who was a Patriot player before being traded. He will help add depth at linebacker for the Patriots. Kyle Van Noy is also a solid linebacker for the Patriots. The Patriots have something to work with on defense considering Stephon Gilmore was arguably the best corner last year, and across from him was Jason McCourty who is a solid number 2 corner. His twin brother Devin has locked up the safety position really well for the past 9 years in New England. They resigned the behemoth nose tackle in Danny Shelton and slot corner Johnathon Jones. Their defense isn’t a top tier defense in the league, but will a smart coach they will most definitely succeed in the league. Their offense is gonna be the reason on how they will win another Super Bowl this year.
Its not a doubt the Patriots offense is one of the best, if not the best in the league. They have Tom Brady at QB, who is considered by many the G.O.A.T. There is also a three headed monster in the backfield in Sony Michel, James White, and Rex Burkhead. Drafting Damien Harris from Alabama adds a fourth weapon out of the backfield. Julian Edelman, the Super Bowl MVP is Tom Brady’s now go-to weapon. The signing of Demaryius Thomas will add another weapon for Brady. N’Keal Harry, drafted with the 32nd pick, adds a 3rd weapon. The tight end was always used in many different varieties with Gronkowksi and others. Now that Gronk has retired, Benjamin Watson, Stephen Anderson and Matt LaCosse are now the three tops tight ends on the Pats roster. Offensive line was always an issue as well, but Shaquille Mason, Marcus Cannon and David Andrews have been solid line men. Isaiah Wynn, who was drafted last season, is coming off a torn Achilles and will be expected to be an impact. The Patriots crafty and unique offensive scheme will be the reason they will get their 7th Super Bowl championship. My projected record for the Patriots is 14-2. They will have a couple tough games this year, playing the Steelers week one and the Chiefs later in the season. I personally am not worried at all that the Patriots are not on the downfall and will come back stronger this year.
The Pod 