5 Bold Predictions for the Regular Season

Defense leads the Team to 3-1

Aug 18, 2016; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots offensive guard Jonathan Cooper (65) reacts with defensive end Trey Flowers (98) and defensive tackle Vincent Valentine (99) after making a tackle during the first half against the Chicago Bears at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

The Patriots defense, NOT Jimmy Garoppolo, will bring the team to a 3-1 start. Fans and analysts have projected that if Garoppolo can be a good game manager, he would do just enough to put the Patriots in good position for when Brady returns

For fans that are projecting New England to go 4-0 is a little far-fetched. 2-2 or 1-3 seems like more of a realistic prediction.

But let’s not forget about this defense. As mentioned before, the Patriots will boast (granted they stay healthy) one of the best defenses in the league. They have been rebuilding for the last 6 seasons, and it seems as though they are almost complete. Garoppolo may not be ready to lead a team, but that doesn’t mean he can’t score any points.

A great example of a defense leading a team in recent memory would be the 2015 Denver Broncos, The 2013 Seattle Seahawks, and 2012 Baltimore Ravens. Those teams had ferocious defenses, and if their starting QB struggled, the defense would almost always put the team in good field position.

If Garoppolo can get the ball out of his hands via quick pass or running the ball, the Patriots defense will be left to do the rest, and perhaps a 3-1 record will be more obtainable.