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8 most essential players on Patriots roster

By Connor Fulton

Dec 13, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; New England Patriots cornerback Malcolm Butler (21) reacts during the game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 13, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; New England Patriots cornerback Malcolm Butler (21) reacts during the game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /
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Tom Brady Patriots
Jun 7, 2016; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) directs receivers during mini camp at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Tom Brady

2015 story: Brady responded to an offseason of hate directed his way by contending for league MVP honors, throwing for 4,770 yards, 36 touchdowns and just seven picks while completing 64.4 percent of attempts. After Cam Newton’s less than impressive showing in Super Bowl 50, the greater NFL community would probably have agreed that Brady was more deserving of MVP honors.

Why he’s essential: For one, Brady is the best quarterback in NFL history, so that speaks for itself. At age 38, soon 39, it goes without saying that Brady has accumulated a ton of experience over his career, and there is value from having such a veteran influence in the locker room. What’s amazing is that Brady is still playing some of the best football of his life, and the end is not yet in sight.

Patriots won’t be stopped if they can stay healthy  

What would happen if Brady got hurt in 2016: First of all, right now we can only assume that Brady’s suspension is going to hold up, so we’ll have an idea of a Brady-less Patriots team when Jimmy Garoppolo mans the controls at the beginning of the season. If Brady were to miss more time, we could expect an expanded ground attack, more quick passes and heightened use of big-man targets Rob Gronkowski and Martellus Bennett.

Recent news about Brady: We are eagerly awaiting the decision from the Second U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. What a circus.

Next: 1. Rob Gronkowski

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