New England Patriots: Five bold predictions for the 2017 season

With the 2017 NFL season kicking off in a few weeks, the New England Patriots are preparing to defend their Super Bowl title.

For what seems like the millionth season in a row, the New England Patriots are who opposing teams will have circled on their schedule. Can you blame them?

After an offseason full of player transactions and Tom Brady worship, there are many people out there saying that the fabled 19-0 season is within reach. While I wouldn’t go that far, the Patriots are certainly poised for success.

No offseason and preseason, however, would be complete without predictions from players, fans, and writers. With that being said, I offer you five bold predictions for the 2017 New England Patriots. One predictions for each ring on Tom Brady’s hand, and each Lombardi trophy he’s hoisted throughout his career.

Now, folks, keep in mind that these are bold predictions. Predicting an AFC Championship is on the same wavelength of predicting that the sun will rise tomorrow. Let’s get to it.

1. Brandin Cooks will lead the team in receptions, receiving yards, and touchdowns

Last season the wealth was spread amongst the entire Patriots receiving corps along with some running backs. Julian Edelman led the team in receptions (98) and receiving yards (1106), while Martellus Bennett led in receiving touchdowns (7).

With Rob Gronkowski injured for much of the season, there was no one dominant presence in the Patriots receiving corps. That has changed. Brandin Cooks is a legitimate deep threat and has a chance to become one of Tom Brady’s go-to options. He’s coming off of back to back seasons with over 75 receptions, 1100 yards, and 8 TDs.

Now on a team where defenses will not be able to focus on shutting him down, Cooks will dominate. He’s already shown a strong rapport with Brady in the preseason, and I fully expect that to translate into the regular season. While Edelman will still be Brady’s safety valve, Cooks will find himself in the open field a lot. An 80 reception, 1500 yard, 15 TD season is a reasonable predictions for Cooks.

2. The defense will outperform the offense

In 2016, the Patriots offense ranked 3rd in the NFL in points per game (27.6), 4th in passing yard per game (269.2), 7th in rushing yards per game (117), and 4th in total yards per game (386.2). Those stats include four games in which Tom Brady was suspended due to some sort of vendetta held by Roger Goodell (don’t get me started). This season was an offensive masterpiece.

The defense, however, gets overlooked. This defense ranked 8th in total yards allowed per game (326.4), 3rd in rush yards allowed per game (88.6), and allowed the fewest points per game (15.6). The Patriots’ secondary was middling, as they ranked 12th in pass yards allowed per game (237.9).

Fast forward to now, one Super Bowl ring later, and the Patriots find themselves with a bolstered secondary after adding Pro-Bowl CB Stephon Gilmore. While the loss of Rob Ninkovich will surely hurt the Patriots defense, it is still looking very strong. The addition of Gilmore renders the Patriots secondary a no fly zone for opposing aerial attacks, while the stiff run defense remains intact.

The offense will no doubt flourish, but these are bold predictions, my friends. The defense will outperform the offense in rankings by season’s end.

3. Dion Lewis will lead all Patriots RB in total yards

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Ahhh the enigma that is Dion Lewis. One week he’s running between the tackles, the next he’s catching 8 passes. Then there are those weeks where he seemingly disappears, and his role is filled by James White. The Patriots’ running game is like Arya Stark. It’s face is always changing, and you never really know when it’s going to murder whoever stands in its way.

Now, I’m not pretending to know the inner workings of Bill Belichick’s mind. I don’t think any sane person on Earth would try to tell you that they understand how his brain operates. But this is a gut feeling that I have.

Having been plagued by injuries, I believe that Dion Lewis will be healthy this year. When he’s healthy, he’s like a water bug on the field. He reminds me of Darren Sproles because of how quick and explosive he is. While he won’t have a feature back role in this offense, he’s listed on the Patriots depth chart as a co-starter alongside James White. I think he will earn enough snaps to lead all New England Patriots RB in total yardage. Speaking of players who have been plagued by injuries…

4. Rob Gronkowski will miss fewer than 3 games all season

Gronk-optimism is a clinically diagnosed condition. Known to last a little over a month, New Englanders and Patriots fans all over convince themselves that this is the year. Rob Gronkowski will not miss extended time. I am fully aware of my condition, but I choose not to seek help.

Having said this, Gronk’s injuries have been sporadic. He played in only 7 games last season but played in 15 the season before. It seems like he’s out more often than he is. I think this season, with Brandin Cooks in the mix, Gronk will last. Dwayne Allen has been brought in as a backup tight end, and he will carry some of the load if Gronk feels any pain at all.

Say what you want about me, but I am optimistic. With Rob Gronkowski healthy, the New England Patriots offense knows no limits. Not only is the receiving game improved, but the running game gains one of the most prolific blocking TEs in the NFL. Due to the nature of football, I left Gronk some wiggle room by saying he’ll miss “fewer than 3 games”. I don’t, however, think Gronk will miss extended time this season.

5. Tom Brady will lead the NFL in passing yards

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Brady was 4th in the league in passing yards per game in 2016. Because of his 4 game vacation at the beginning of the season, his yardage totals were low. With a full 16 game schedule ahead of him and no tyrant trying to take him down, Brady will be amongst the top passers in the NFL this season.

Now, let’s address the elephant in the room. Brady’s age. To all you naysayers out there, I ask you, have you no imagination?

"On Brady turning 40, Rob Gronkowski said “I look at him and he turns 40 tomorrow and he runs around like he’s younger than me.”"

Brady has found the fountain of youth. Maybe when he was in the mountains mining his Himalayan pink salt he discovered an ancient anti-aging substance. Maybe he is Benjamin Button, entering his prime rather than leaving it. Maybe he isn’t human. One thing is for certain, that he’s not slowing down.

With the addition of Brandin Cooks and a defense that will get him the ball, Brady has all the tools he needs to out-pass every other quarterback in the league.

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So, there you have it. Five bold predictions. NFL season can’t come soon enough and I can’t wait to see my predictions turn into fulfilled prophecies. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.