New England Patriots: 5 key storylines to follow this season

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FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – NOVEMBER 24: Devin McCourty #32 of the New England Patriots reacts with teammates during the second half against the Dallas Cowboys in the game at Gillette Stadium on November 24, 2019 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Billie Weiss/Getty Images) /

3. Experienced defense

Bill Belichick is out to prove that he can create a successful football team on the backs of his defense this season.

In doing so, the New England Patriots went heavy on defense in the draft and used their first three picks on selecting defensive players to add complementary pieces to his already experienced defense.

After losing some key defenders in Kyle Van Noy, Jamie Collins, and Elandon Roberts during free agency, the Patriots drafted linebackers Josh Uche, Anfernee Jennings, and Caash Maluia to fill the holes that were created at the linebacker position.

The veteran secondary group is what is going to set the Pats defense apart from the rest of the league this year. The defensive backs are led by the reigning Defensive Player of the Year cornerback Stephon Gilmore and the three-time Super Bowl-winning champion safety duo in Devin McCourty and Patrick Chung.

Joining the secondary this season is the Patriots’ top draft choice in 2020, safety Kyle Dugger, who the Pats selected 37th overall. Dugger comes to the Pats with plenty of playing experience as one of the best defensive players in Division II throughout his five years at Lenoir-Rhyne.

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