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New England Patriots: 3 concerns as we inch closer to regular season

By Sam Minton

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - FEBRUARY 04: Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots walks off the field after their teams 41-33 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LII at U.S. Bank Stadium on February 4, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Philadelphia Eagles defeated the New England Patriots 41-33. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - FEBRUARY 04: Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots walks off the field after their teams 41-33 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LII at U.S. Bank Stadium on February 4, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Philadelphia Eagles defeated the New England Patriots 41-33. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
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New England Patriots
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – OCTOBER 15: (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /

Wide Receiver

The New England Patriots weakest position is wide receiver. It is also one of the most important. We know Tom Brady can’t throw and catch the ball.

Julien Edelman is suspended for the first month of the season, and Malcolm Mitchell and Jordan Matthews have been released. When you have a 41-year-old quarterback that situation is less ideal.

During the first month of the season, the Patriots will be relying a lot on new players. Eric Decker is now a lock for the 2nd spot on the depth chart, with Chris Hogan leading the way. Phillip Dorsett will probably be the 3rd receiver then after that it is up to rookie Braxton Berrios, and second-year player’s Riley McCarron and Jacob Hollister. At this point, I think Matthew Slater may be lining up out wide.

Even with Edelman back it will still be a weak group. The Patriots will need Decker to be a solid third option and not drop every pass that is thrown his way. Also, they will need a rookie to step up in a big way. Even though Berrios is known for his special team skill I think he may become the new Wes Welker and dominate in the slot.

dark. Next. Eric Decker’s greatest value is experience

So even though the Patriots should make it back to the Super Bowl, it will be a little more difficult.

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