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Are the Patriots’ skill position players better this year than last?

By Hal Bent

ATLANTA, GA - FEBRUARY 03: The New England Patriots celebrate after winning the Super Bowl LIII at against the Los Angeles Rams Mercedes-Benz Stadium on February 3, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. The New England Patriots defeat the Los Angeles Rams 13-3. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - FEBRUARY 03: The New England Patriots celebrate after winning the Super Bowl LIII at against the Los Angeles Rams Mercedes-Benz Stadium on February 3, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. The New England Patriots defeat the Los Angeles Rams 13-3. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /
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TAMPA, FL – OCTOBER 5: Quarterback Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots huddles the offense during the first quarter of an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on October 5, 2017 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images) /

Final decision

The prospect of more running back production in the passing game, combined with a younger and more athletic receiving group, helps offset the loss of Rob Gronkowski on this year’s Patriots team. While no tight end on the roster will likely come close to replicating Gronkowski’s production and overall effect on the offense (and the opposing team’s defense), New England still has a decent group of options at that position as well to evaluate this preseason.

Overall, that one major loss from the 2018 skill position group is overshadowed by the immense depth and talent at the wide receiver and running back positions. If the players listed earlier can live up to their potential – even if only some of them do – it will still represent a more potent and powerful skill position group in 2019 as compared to last season.

dark. Next. New England's defense will help hone its offense this year

After the first few weeks of training camp, there is without a doubt more youth, athleticism, and sheer size in the pass catching group. Add in a trio of big, veteran wide receivers who may contribute later in the season and into the playoffs (Gordon, Thomas, and Meredith), and the Patriots have a truly intriguing group of offensive skill position players this season.

-Hal Bent has been a contributor to MusketFire.com  since 2012.  He covers the New England Patriots and the AFC East. Follow him on Twitter @halbent01.

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