New England Patriots: 4 bold predictions that will make 2022 unforgettable
After going 4-0 on my New England Patriots predictions last year, I had to do an encore. If you didn’t read my predictions last year, they were:
No. 1, stopping the run will determine the success of the defense’s season, No. 2, a Patriots player will have a 10-sack season, No. 3, there would be no 1,000-yard running back and lastly, Mac Jones will lead Patriots to the playoffs.
Each one hit the bullseye. So can I repeat the feat?
Yes.
Getting a feel for this New England team isn’t easy. Because they’re changing the offensive system, the execution during training camp was inconsistent. The offensive line struggled at times. The communication wasn’t perfect so everyone wasn’t always on the same page.
Neither Matt Patricia nor Joe Judge is the offensive coordinator. Even more concerning is neither have experience as an offensive coordinator.
On the other side of the ball, the defense will have significant changes. They’re playing without Pro Bowl cornerback J.C. Jackson. The linebackers got younger and faster, but does that mean better?
2022 New England Patriots are dramatically changed from 2021
A lot of unknowns and plenty of questions leading up to the season, but the one constant should give you peace of mind: Bill Belichick.
Entering his 23rd season coaching the Patriots, Belichick has seen everything in his coaching career. And as he directs year three of the post-Tom Brady rebuild, Belichick has New England pointed towards becoming a legitimate championship contender.
Related Story. Bill Belichick coaching for his job in 2022. light
The Patriots probably aren’t there yet. Having the Buffalo Bills in the division won’t help either, but having arguably the class of the AFC in the AFC East means the measuring stick is close by.
The final regular season record might not show it, but the New England Patriots are better than last year. The first reason why they’re better will be in discussion for the best player in the league: