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New England Patriots: ESPN predicts top storyline of 2018

By Nick Ziegler

FOXBOROUGH, MA - JANUARY 21: Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots and head coach Bill Belichick look on during warm ups before the AFC Championship Game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Gillette Stadium on January 21, 2018 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
FOXBOROUGH, MA - JANUARY 21: Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots and head coach Bill Belichick look on during warm ups before the AFC Championship Game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Gillette Stadium on January 21, 2018 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /
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ESPN recently predicted the top storyline for all 32 NFL teams. What did they think would be the top storyline for the New England Patriots.

After falling just short of winning their sixth Super Bowl, the New England Patriots will be back it soon, trying to get their sixth ring. Last season did come with some surprising drama for the Patriots, as there was a big ESPN report about a rift between Tom Brady, Robert Kraft, and Bill Belichick.

While the Patriots shut that report down, one does have to wonder if there is some kind of rift. As we head toward the 2018 season, there are a few potential storylines that could be the top one of the season.

Recently, Mike Reiss of ESPN said that he believes that the relationship between Brady and Belichick will be the most interesting one to follow.

"The most successful quarterback/coach partnership in the NFL hasn’t been together this offseason as Brady has remained away from voluntary work, sparking questions about whether all is well between Brady and Belichick after a season in which Brady’s personal trainer, Alex Guerrero, had his access curbed at Gillette Stadium. Brady has said he is taking the time to be with his family and three children, while Belichick said he is talking only about the players who are present at OTAs. How big of a deal will this ultimately be to the team’s success?"

With Brady not being at OTAs, that has resulted in some speculation about him not being thrilled with certain things. The Patriots have limited Brady’s trainer access to the team and the stadium, which might not have pleased him.

Even if things aren’t perfect between Brady and Belichick winning can certainly solve a lot of those problems. As one of the most successful head coach/player in the history of sports, it would be sad to see their relationship fall apart.

While this could certainly be a major storyline for the Patriots, they could have other storylines this season. At over 40-years-old, Brady’s future with the team could become a yearly question mark. Also, there were reports about Rob Gronkowski possibly thinking about retirement this offseason.

Next: Ranking the 10 greatest quarterbacks in franchise history

As the 2018 season goes one, we will have to see what ends up being the top storyline for the Patriots during the season. However, as of now, it could very well be the relationship between Brady and Belichick.

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