5 Bold Predictions for the Regular Season

#3 – Gronkowski & Bennett Combine Most TDs by 2 TEs

Jul 28, 2016; Foxboro, MA, USA; New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) runs drills during training camp at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports

In 2011, TE Rob Gronkowski and former Patriot Aaron Hernandez broke records (169 REC, 2,237 YDs, 24 TDs) and went on to help the Patriots have one of the best offenses in recent memory. Since Hernandez got arrested, the Patriots tried to replace him in attempt to repeat their success.

In 2014, the Patriots traded for Tim Wright had a decent stint with New England, however, his snaps were reduced by the end of the season, as the Patriots went to a 11 personnel group.

In the 2015 offseason, Scott Chandler was seen as a great acquisition that would make the team even more potent, especially in the redzone. Unfortunately, Chandler’s time in New England was short thanks to injuries and inconsistency on the field.

With newly acquired Martellus Bennett, the Patriots arguably have two of the best tight ends in the league. It’s clear the Patriots want to go back to a 12 personnel group, and have been trying to ever since they lost Hernandez.

Instead of having a Y-TE and an F-TE, the Patriots now have two Y-TEs, that are practically of the samebuild. If they can both stay healthy, defensive coordinators will have to ask themselves “How are we going to stop these two?”

They may not have connected much in the preseason, but expect that Brady and Bennett will have quite a few hook-ups this season.

Next: #2 - Brady fires back