Patriots rumors: Why New England is headed to bottom of AFC East
By Sam Minton
2020 was already a tough year for the New England Patriots, but 2021 could be even worse.
The Patriots are no longer the kings of the AFC East. Long gone are the days of New England being guaranteed to win the division. Now they will have to scratch and claw just to make it into the playoffs.
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New England’s offense is in shambles. They don’t have a passing game which leads to opposing defenses stacking the box.
The only saving grace for the Patriots is their defense. With Dont’a Hightower and Patrick Chung returning they have a chance to be better, but will they be able to carry the team? That would be a big ask.
But when you look at the rest of the division, things get even scarier for New England.
Why the Patriots are headed to the bottom of the AFC East.
After last season everyone should expect the Bills to win the AFC East. Josh Allen and Stefon Diggs seem to be a dangerous duo and Buffalo is likely to try and have a longer playoff run in 2021.
The Dolphins look to have one of the best young coaches in Brian Flores and seem to be on the rise. Also, the team has continued to be linked with Deshaun Watson. If Watson was to head to Miami they would instantly become contenders.
Watson is also linked to the New York Jets. If they were to acquire Watson, New England would be the worst team in the AFC East.
These two teams also have very high draft picks. They have the chance to select players like Zach Wilson and Justin Fields. It would be more of a coin toss compared to acquiring Watson, but if these guys are everything that they are made out to be, the Patriots won’t stand a chance.
So Patriots fans shouldn’t expect things to change in 2021. It will be another long season for New England.
Honestly, things could be even worse. The Patriots very well could be the worst team in the AFC East. After so much success will Pats fans even be able to cope with that?
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So prepare for the worst everyone. While the rest of the AFC East is getting better, New England is only getting worse.