There were a few notes I seemed to have missed in the off season, but none are too big of a worry. The one that stands out is New England's loss of LeGarrette Blount. #BlountForce was a key aspect to the Patriots winning SuperBowl XLIX, but faltered in their path to defending that title. We didn't hear a lot about him last season, so not hanging on to him does make a bit of sense. Every team does need to shake up their roster a bit, and shake off the rust.
Things we do need to remember are that the Patriots have stolen the AFC East title 13 of the 15 seasons Tom Brady has been at the wheel. That includes every season for the last 6. As much as I dislike Brady, that's nothing to bat an eye at. But again he has has a lot of help; he isn't a one man team.
An addition to the roster to hopefully replace Blount is Donald Brown. Unfortunately the Patriots could really do better, but they'll need to work with what they have on their farm team, and what they can get their hands on in the draft. Dion Lewis was a great addition, but as he tore his ACL last season, we can only hope he's up to the task. Even then... two running backs will spread other defensive lines thin as they won't know who to watch for. One strong and one weak will have them all after the one and wear him down through the season and aid in shortening his career.
Another big tight end will also help the Patriots offensvie line and their production. Rob Gronkowski can only do so much alone; again two strong guys playing one position spreads out the opposition's defence, making more points and better plays more possible.
Among the keys to victory this season is quarterback strength. You all knew I was gonna touch on it; roll your eyes if you must.
We'll start with the damn deflategate stupidness. Did it happen? I don't know. If it did, was it Brady's fault or did he take part? Again, I haven't the faintest. All I know is it continues to bother my team two seasons after the allegations arose. To be honest, it's annoying.
If Brady's ban resurfaces that leaves the quarterback duties to Jimmy Garoppolo. Anyone who follows my dislike of Brady knows I think this kid can that that role and run with it. This being said, they will need a veteran quarterback to stand behind him to replace the crappy current third stringer they have now. It's always good to have a just in case. And I mean even if Brady isn't banned, he is almost 40. It's a good idea anyway.
No matter who's standing in the role as quarterback, he needs to be protected. Patriots desperately need more depth to their offensive line to protect their captain. This lead to a ridiculous pounding by *shiver* the Denver Broncos. Not only that, they did let too much through throughout the season, me that lead to many rushed plays, and dropped balls all year.
That needs to change this season. Say it with me lads, "Protect the quarterback."
Last season, the Patriots closest divisional rival was the New York Jets. They'd be more of a worry this season I think it they actually knew who their quarterback was. And Rex Ryan of the Buffalo Bills seems to have an obsession with overtaking Bill Belichick. But looking at the team they were last season, ending at 8-8... they don't look much different after the off season, so they mightn't even be worth the words I'm writing about them.
We'll see what 2016 brings, but I have high hopes for the New England Patriots this season. GO PATS GO!!!
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