Patriots projected starters: What to watch for from the stars

The Patriots’ stars led them to a sixth Super Bowl title in 2018; what should we keep an eye on with those same players on the ‘stairway to seven?’

QB Tom Brady – Signs of age

This one shouldn’t come as much of a surprise, as it’s been the trend with Brady for the last three or four seasons. Brady’s numbers took a slight dip from his MVP season two years ago, but not so much to be able to declare a true ‘decline’ for TB12. In 2019, watch for tell-tale signs of the end of the line (interceptions, decrease in velocity, bad decision-making, etc.). Only then would Brady’s advanced age be a real cause for concern and a warrant to perhaps wave the red flag. Until then, it’s all-systems-go with Brady.

RB Sony Michel – Usage rate

Towards the end of the regular season, Michel shared reps in the backfield with James White and Rex Burkhead. That may have been strictly because of Michel’s rookie status, or it could have been lack of experience at the NFL level in high-pressure situations. Now, with a full camp under his belt and having already fully-dipped his feet in NFL waters, there’s no telling how much of an impact Michel will have in the offense.

WR Julian Edelman – WR1

It’s time for Edelman to morph into not only a bonafide WR1, but a leader next to Brady in the offense. 74 catches for 850 yards netted Edelman six touchdowns in 2018 – a superb return after missing the entire prior season with a torn ACL. In 2019, he’ll need to be even better… and take on the bulk of the pass-catching duties until Josh Gordon works himself back to full speed and rookies like N’Keal Harry and Jakobi Meyers become accustomed to the in-game offense. This has the potential to be one of the best years yet for Edelman, and the sky is the limit for the former-collegiate-QB-turned-receiver.

WR N’Keal Harry – Big play threat

As the first receiver ever selected by the Patriots in the first round under Bill Belichick, it’s fair to say expectations are pretty high for the Arizona State product. However, he is still only a rookie, so he might be a little raw with the route running. Harry makes up for that with his incredible hands, as well as his ability to go up and get the 50/50 ball. We’ve already seen flashes of the highlight reel catching ability against the Lions earlier this preseason. Harry will provide Brady with either a decoy on plays over the middle or a serious threat for the deep ball outside the numbers. There’s no ceiling for this kid, and he’s going to be exciting to watch.

WR Josh Gordon – Superstar comeback?

It’s too early in the comeback process to tell just how much of an impact Gordon will have on this Patriots offense. But we do know one thing: the opportunity is present for Gordon to explode and become a star in New England. He showed flashes (pun intended) of it last season, reeling in 40 passes for 720 yards and three touchdowns… including the 500th touchdown reception of Brady’s career.

TE Ben Watson – Insurance policy

Watson will start the season off by serving a four-game suspension. At 38 years of age, nobody is expecting him to be the perfect replacement for Rob Gronkowski. Rather, the hope is Watson can become a security blanket for Brady underneath in case big play attempts get blown up. That’s it; nothing crazy, nothing Superman-esque. Just be there when Brady needs him, and have reliable enough hands and durability to pick up some first downs here and there.

What are YOU expecting from the Patriots’ offensive stars this season? Let us know in the comments section below!