Patriots: 10 long-term positives from 2015

10 Long-term positives of Patriots’ 2015 season

While the 2015 season ended in disappointment for the New England Patriots, there were many positives that came out of the campaign that spell good fortune for the Patriots down the road. All was not lost when Tom Brady’s pass on that fateful two-point conversion fell incomplete in the AFC Championship Game.

Here are 10 long-term positive outcomes from the 2015 season that will help the Patriots sustain their winning ways in 2016 and beyond, starting with a bright spot on special teams:

(Editor’s note: All stats come by way of Pro Football Reference.)

10. Brandon King emerging as this generation’s Matthew Slater

Since being promoted to the active roster after the Patriots cut Brandon Fletcher in early October, King has been nothing but extraordinary playing with Slater on punt coverage. He made a few nice plays in the AFC Championship Game, cementing his role in the Patriots’ special teams force for 2016.

From the Brandon King vault: Brandon King is the next Matthew Slater

Special teams may not be the sexiest of topics to write or read about, but they are important nonetheless. The Patriots are fortunate to have not only a perennial Pro Bowler in Slater, but also an extremely promising understudy in the form of King.

Next: 9. Strong play of interior defensive line