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New England Patriots: If Healthy, They Won’t Be Stopped

By Cyrus Geller

Oct 29, 2015; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) celebrates with quarterback Tom Brady (12) after his touchdown against the Miami Dolphins in the first quarter at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 29, 2015; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) celebrates with quarterback Tom Brady (12) after his touchdown against the Miami Dolphins in the first quarter at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 16, 2016; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots cornerback Malcolm Butler (21) celebrates from the field against the Kansas City Chiefs during the second half in the AFC Divisional round playoff game at Gillette Stadium. The Patriots won 20-27. Mandatory Credit: Stew Milne-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 16, 2016; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots cornerback Malcolm Butler (21) celebrates from the field against the Kansas City Chiefs during the second half in the AFC Divisional round playoff game at Gillette Stadium. The Patriots won 20-27. Mandatory Credit: Stew Milne-USA TODAY Sports /

Finally, we have the secondary. Devin McCourty is one of, if not the best free safety in the game. His range is unreal, and as a former cornerback, he has great ball skills and can drop down and play man coverage if needed. Patrick Chung is an elite strong safety in every sense of the word. He can play down in the box and be tough against the run, he is AWESOME in man coverage against tight ends, and he even found himself singled up on receivers at certain points throughout the season last year. The versatility these two have is a big reason why New England’s defense was elite last year, and will be elite once again this upcoming season.

(And that’s not even mentioning Duron Harmon, who is one of the most underrated “centerfield” free safeties in the league.)

Malcolm Butler and Logan Ryan both had huge years last year as the two outside corners, and I expect them to do the same in 2016. Newcomer Cyrus Jones seems to be the front-runner to take the nickel corner job, but I wouldn’t count out Justin Coleman or Darryl Roberts. The depth at cornerback this year looks to be very good.

My point is this: top to bottom, the Pats have, in my opinion, the best overall team in the NFL. Obviously you can never stay completely healthy, but if they can stay away from the catastrophic ailments, I don’t think New England will be stopped in 2016.

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