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Patriots Op/Ed: Collins Trade Puts More Pressure on Tom Brady

By Tarringo Basile-vaughan

Oct 30, 2016; Orchard Park, NY, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) takes the field before a game against the Buffalo Bills at New Era Field. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 30, 2016; Orchard Park, NY, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) takes the field before a game against the Buffalo Bills at New Era Field. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports /
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New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady realizes the impact the Jamie Collins trade will have on the offense.

Patriots quarterback Tom Brady is accustomed to carrying the team’s success on his shoulders.  Although Monday’s shocking trade sending Pro-Bowl linebacker Jamie Collins to the Browns doesn’t have an immediate affect on the offense, Brady knows the players on that side of the ball can help the defense.

First of all, Brady was surprised by the deal, but knows the nature of how things are done in New England.  He also knows what he can do as a leader on offense to help the team stay afloat while the defense finds its way.

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In an interview with Westwood One’s Jim Gray Monday night, No. 12 says the offense has to be more consistent.

"“It doesn’t affect anything we’re doing on offense,” Brady said via WEEI. “And defensively, those guys will have to answer that question. I’m not in those meetings to understand what their schemes are all about. But offensively, our pieces are the same. We’re still trying to do things more consistently on offense.“We on offense we know when you lose a player of Jamie’s caliber, we’re going to have to do better. That is what our goal is going to have to be.”"

The Patriots’ offense has had some dry spells at times.  Despite those dry spells, they were able to score enough points to still come out on top.  But, with the defense still trying to figure things out, Brady and the offense have to sustain drives and take advantage of scoring opportunities.

With a dynamic tight end duo and improving play from Julian Edelman, Chris Hogan and Danny Amendola, they certainly have the firepower.  They will also have to become less one-dimensional and that means establishing a running game and sticking with it.  Although LeGarrette Blount is having a career year, the Patriots need a quicker back to compliment him.  That could solve itself with the return of Dion Lewis or perhaps Tyler Gaffney will emerge in that role.

In summary, Brady will have more pressure on him and the offense initially.  An established running game can help take that pressure off of him until the defense finds its identity without Jamie Collins.

Dealing with another unexpected trade

Tom Brady has been in this position several times over the years.  He has had to say goodbye to players like Logan Mankins, Richard Seymour, Chandler Jones and Lawyer Malloy.  The shock value isn’t any less with Jamie Collins, but Brady knows the routine at this point.

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Dec 27, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New England Patriots outside linebacker Jamie Collins (91) and New England Patriots cornerback Logan Ryan (26) celebrate a fumble return for a touchdown by Collins /

"“It’s always tough to hear news like that with a teammate that I’ve played with and been in so many battles with,” Brady said. “Jamie [was] a great player for our team, and I’m sure he will be a great player for the Cleveland Browns. I’m always sad when we lose a player that I like I and someone that I respect like Jamie.”"

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Do you agree?  Does the loss of Jamie Collins put more emphasis on the offense?

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