New England Patriots: 5 player storylines to watch during training camp

Rob Gronkowski/Tom Brady

You have to lump the New England Patriots two best players together for the top storyline heading into training camp.

As one goes, the other will go either negatively or positively for the Patriots.  With both Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski apparently at a rift with the team during and following the Super Bowl LII loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, the attitudes both players take into training camp will be an indication as to how committed they are for the 2018 NFL season.

Whispers of retirement has echoed around both players this offseason.  But, contracts have appeared to be key motivations for those rumors.  If Brady can get his extension and Gronkowski get the kind of money he deserves as a top tight end in the league, then expect both players to be all in.

However, if the money situation lingers, the microscope will continue to be placed on their relationship with Bill Belichick. What’s dissected could distract the team enough to have an impact on the 2018 season.

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So, while the prediction is that the New England Patriots will be fine (as they typically find a way to be), overall success will hinge on how these two players approach the season.