PATRIOTS OF NEW ENGLAND (12-5)
CAMP SITE: Foxborough, Massachusetts
LAST YEAR: After an 8-0 start, the Patriots lost three of the last five games to end the regular season, followed by the wild card playoff loss at home to Tennessee. It was the first time in four seasons that the Patriots failed to make it to the Super Bowl after at least reaching the AFC championship in each of the previous eight years. Injuries on the offensive line contributed, as did the lack of game creators for Tom Brady to use after the retirement of Rob Gronkowski. He led to several off-season outings, including Brady, who ended his 20-year career in New England and left in free agency for Tampa Bay.
IMPORTANT ADDITIONS: QB Cam Newton, WR Marqise Lee, K Justin Rohrwasser, S Kyle Dugger, LB John Uche, LB Anfernee Jennings, LB Cassh Maluia.
MAJOR LOSSES: QB Tom Brady, LB Kyle Van Noy, LB Jamie Collins, LB Elandon Roberts, S Duron Harmon, DT Danny Shelton, K Stephen Gostkowski, offensive line coach Dante Scarnecchia.
PANDEMIC CHALLENGES: Lack of minicamps and OTAs due to COVID-19 robbed second-year QB Jarrett Stidham of valuable time working with an entire receiving group in hopes of replacing Brady. He had informal workouts with multiple teammates, but it may not be enough to beat Newton to start the job if the 2015 MVP is healthy due to a foot injury.
CAMP NEEDS: In addition to discovering the starter as a quarterback, the Patriots also need to see the jump of their young receivers, who collectively struggled to feel comfortable on offense last year. Solidifying the offensive line will also be important. Andrews missed last season with blood clots and left tackle Isaiah Wynn had his first two seasons interrupted by injury.
EXPECTATIONS: The Patriots’ outlook for this season had a potential shake-up with the addition of Newton. If he wins the starting role, his double ability to run and throw gives offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels plenty of options. But New England’s ultimate success may hinge on its defense’s ability to remain one of the AFC’s best units despite having to replace several key contributors.
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