After going 7-9 last season, you knew Patriots owner Robert Kraft and coach Bill Belichick weren’t going to sit idly by and let it happen again.
They didn’t. The Patriots were the most active team in free agency committing over $100 million dollars in contracts to several free agents most notably EDGE Matthew Judon, tight ends Hunter Henry and Jonnu Smith and hybrid defensive back Jalen Mills. Belichick also addressed the quarterback position in the draft by picking Mac Jones out of Alabama with the 15th overall pick. Based on these moves, the new look Patriots are a contender once again in the NFC. Here’s why.
1. Bill Belichick: Belichick is a master motivator and arguably the greatest mind in NFL history. He did a great job last season guiding a dreadful roster (one he constructed mind you) to a 7-9 season.
Belichick has a lot more talent to work with this season so his ability to game plan and out scheme other teams will once again be a factor. It is the single biggest reason why the Patriots are once again a Super Bowl contender.
2. Elite level defense: The Patriots are loaded defensively. They have elite level talent and quality depth. When you look at this defense on paper, there are no holes.
As long as cornerback Stephon Gilmore gets healthy and is playing, the Patriots defense has a chance to be the best in the league. Defense wins championships and this defense is certainly good enough to win a championship with.
3. Diverse offensive attack: I know, I know. The quarterback position is a huge question mark and it is however the improved talent should help whomever the starter is whether it be Cam Newton or Mac Jones.
The Patriots offense will be diverse. They will be able to run the football effectively and set up play action. They will also be able to push the ball downfield vertically.
Offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels will be able to create match ups because he has two tight ends he can detach and match up on safeties and linebackers. He also has a diverse receiving and running back corp that can run the ball and be effective in the passing game.
I think will see the Patriots in a lot of 12 and 13 personnel this year because those two groupings will give them the best opportunity to generate match ups in both the passing and running game.
4. Leadership & Experience: People forget, especially nationally that this Patriots team still has a ton of championship experience on the roster. Dont’a Hightower, Devin McCourty, Stephon Gilmore, Matthew Slater, Lawrence Guy, Kyle Van Noy and James White are just some of the guys who have won Super Bowls with the Patriots. This group knows how to win. Contrary to popular belief, it wasn’t all Tom Brady. There is still plenty of championship pedigree on the roster.
5. Motivated: After going 7-9 last season, not only are Kraft and Belichick motivated but so are the players. It is a proud group of veterans that have won before and they want to prove that they aren’t done yet. The Patriots are hungry and a hungry Patriots team is bad news for the rest of the league.
Contrary to popular opinion, the Patriots are a Super Bowl contender. Kansas City is Kansas City. They are good and still the class of the AFC. The Patriots however are good enough to be the second best team in the conference. Yes. They are better than the Ravens , Browns and the highly overrated Chargers. The Patriots are good enough to win the Super Bowl.