The New England Patriots will likely dominate the AFC once again, but there are some major concerns as we inch closer to the regular season.
There is one thing that you can guarantee in life. The New England Patriots are locks to win the AFC East. They have dominated the division for the last decade. Still, there are some things that should concern some Patriots fans.
The Patriots will definitely have a successful season, but there are a lot of question marks about this year’s squad. The Patriots were stunned by the Philadelphia Eagles in the Super Bowl last season, and are looking to get retribution.
So let’s take a look at the major concerns for the New England Patriots this season.
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Left Tackle situation
For the first time in a long time, the New England Patriots will have a new left tackle. Nate Solder left the team and is now with the New York Giants so Tom Brady will have someone new protecting his blindside.
Trent Brown is slated to be the starter at the moment. The Patriots traded for Brown in the offseason. He spent 3 years with the San Francisco 49ers, and now has the toughest job in the NFL.
He is protecting the most valuable quarterback in the NFL.
Brown is humongous just like Solder. I think he should be successful if he is able to keep up with these quick defensive ends. If Brady gets drilled due to Brown he will surely hear it from the QB.
If Brown struggles it will make life very difficult for Tom Brady. Not exactly what you want to hear when you have a 41-year-old quarterback.
The secondary
The New England Patriots secondary looked horrible the last time we saw them. They were the No.1 reason the Patriots didn’t win the Super Bowl. There were lapses in coverage and some terrible tackling.
Stephon Gilmore is the No.1 guy now. With Malcolm Butler in Tennessee, he will be the corner looked upon to lock down opposing wideouts. Gilmore struggled early on in the season. That can’t happen this year. The Patriots could fall down a deep hole if Gilmore struggles once again.
Eric Rowe and Jason McCourty seem to be competing for the No.2 spot on the depth chart. Rowe was awful last year and McCourty is just learning the playbook. If Gilmore struggled early on it is fair to say McCourty will as well.
After that, it is a rookie battle. I don’t know if I’m confident in J.C Jackson and Keion Crossen just yet.
The Patriots also have a new defensive coordinator in Brian Flores. It seems like Flores is going to be more aggressive so the secondary needs to be strong. If they play like they did last season it could be a long season for Patriots fans.
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.
So even though the Patriots should make it back to the Super Bowl, it will be a little more difficult.