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New England Patriots player stats: 5 bold predictions

By Connor Fulton

Aug 18, 2016; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots running back LeGarrette Blount (29) reacts with tight end Bryce Williams (81) after scoring a touchdown during the first half against the Chicago Bears at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 18, 2016; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots running back LeGarrette Blount (29) reacts with tight end Bryce Williams (81) after scoring a touchdown during the first half against the Chicago Bears at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports /
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Joe Thuney Patriots
Dec 26, 2014; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; North Carolina State Wolfpack running back Matt Dayes (21) and guard Joe Thuney (54) celebrate during the game against the Central Florida Knights at the 2014 St. Petersburg Bowl at Tropicana Field. The North Carolina State Wolfpack defeated the Central Florida Knights 34-27. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Joe Thuney will start every game at left guard.

After a season in which the interior of the Patriots’ offensive line was hit hard by the injury bug and inconsistency every which way, Thuney will step in as the Week 1 starter and will never relinquish his role. From the start of training camp, the North Carolina State product has played like a seasoned veteran in the trenches; Thuney’s rise was part of the reason the Patriots could afford to trade Josh Kline for defensive back Eric Rowe.

3 key matchups to watch in Week 1

With the amount of injuries already happening in the New England trenches (Sebastian Vollmer likely out for the year, Shaq Mason’s hand, etc.), it will be nice to have a fixture at left guard. As you well know, for Bill Belichick dependability matters more than ability and so far Thuney has proven to be very dependable for a rookie. We look forward to watching as Thuney hopefully becomes the next Logan Mankins at guard for the Patriots.

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What are some of your bold player stats predictions for 2016?

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