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New England Patriots: 5 key storylines to follow this season

By Justin Trombino

FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS - DECEMBER 29: Head coach Bill Belichick of the New England Patriots looks on during the game against the Miami Dolphins at Gillette Stadium on December 29, 2019 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS - DECEMBER 29: Head coach Bill Belichick of the New England Patriots looks on during the game against the Miami Dolphins at Gillette Stadium on December 29, 2019 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /
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New England Patriots
EDEN PRAIRIE, MN – FEBRUARY 02: Offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels and head coach Bill Belichick of the New England Patriots talks during the New England Patriots practice on February 2, 2018 at Winter Park in Eden Prairie, Minnesota. The New England Patriots will play the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LII on February 4. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /

5. Play calling

Last but not least, the offensive and defensive play calling is something to follow this season for the Patriots.

Offensively, it’s going to be very interesting to see the type of game plans that offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels can come up with in his first season without Tom Brady in New England.

Stidham being more agile and versatile than Brady should force McDaniels to open up the playbook to some different and new plays/formations to cater to what Stidham can bring to the table athletically.

Another thing we often kept watch of was the reactions and interactions between Brady and McDaniels in the past. Of course, we’re now going to be watching how McDaniels and Stidham interact with each other after a turnover or a bad play.

Defensively, since the departure of former defensive coordinator Matt Partricia, we still don’t know who is officially calling the plays for the defense. After Brian Flores stepped up to the plate and called plays in 2018, it appeared that both Jerod Mayo and Steve Belichick were calling in the defensive plays in 2019.

Come the first defensive possession of the 2020 regular season, all eyes are going to be on the sidelines to see who is most likely the defensive coordinator for the New England Patriots.

Next. What Michael Onwenu brings to the table for Patriots. dark

What are your top storylines entering the new season for the Patriots? Let us know in the comments section below!

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