New England Patriots named a team with most work left to do
The New England Patriots were named as one of the teams with the most work left to do this offseason by Bleacher Report.
The New England Patriots have been the most consistent franchise in the NFL for a majority of the last two decades. However, in recent months, they have begun showing some chinks in their armor.
An ESPN report from January, which the Patriots did not like at all, seemed to have a little more truth to it than originally believed. The relationship between quarterback Tom Brady and head coach Bill Belichick has seemed to become strained in recent years. Tight end Rob Gronkowski also had some issues with his contract this offseason.
Brady and Gronkowski both skipped part of the Patriots offseason program, showing some cracks in the foundation. However, they both did show up for the mandatory work and once the games begin to count, they will be there.
Having Brady and Gronkowski in the fold is important, however, there are other issues the Patriots will have to iron out. That is why the Patriots were selected as one of the teams with the most work still to do this offseason by Bleacher Report.
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The relationship between arguably the three most important people in the building, Belichick, Brady and Gronkowski, is at the forefront of the Patriots to-do list. Getting those three back on the same page is imperative. They are three of the best to ever do it at their respective spots, so keeping them content will lead to more success.
On the field, the biggest issue the Patriots have is along the offensive line. Replacing Nate Solder at left tackle will not be an easy task. While Solder isn’t the best left tackle in the NFL, which the New York Giants paid him as in free agency, he is still an above average option.
The Patriots will probably go with either rookie Isaiah Wynn or Trent Brown, who was acquired from the San Francisco 49ers during the 2018 NBA Draft. Wynn was projected as a guard in the NFL and Brown has limited experience at left tackle. That is an area to keep an eye on throughout training camp and into the regular season.
Offensive tackle isn’t the only spot on that side of the ball that the Patriots have to worry about. Wide receiver is seeing a huge overhaul. Danny Amendola and Brandin Cooks are both gone. Julian Edelman has been suspended the first four games of the season. Brady will have to get some reps in with new receivers and build chemistry.
New England will also have a new defensive coordinator. Former defensive coordinator Matt Patricia took the head coaching job with the Detroit Lions. That will be an adjustment as well.
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For a regular team, that is a lot to worry about. However, under the watchful eye of Belichick, everything seems to always work out. This season shouldn’t be any different. As long as Belichick is roaming the sidelines and Brady is under center, the Patriots will be contenders.