Patriots: 3 positions NE should feel more confident in than 2020
By Jerry Trotta
It wasn’t at all surprising that the New England Patriots endured their worst season in two decades last year.
However, given that they’re the most successful franchise in NFL history, rival fans better have gotten their laughs off while they could, because their free agent spending spree and excellent showing in the draft suggests they’ll be back in the playoffs in 2021.
After all, the Patriots now have the requisite talent to compete with some of the upper-echelon teams in the league.
While we won’t go as far as to call them a championship contender — though that could certainly change if everyone plays up to their potential — this roster is vastly improved compared to last season.
It goes without saying that New England upgraded most of their positions. However, which positions should fans be feeling more confident in than 2020?
Patriots fans should be much more confident at these 3 positions.
3. Linebacker
New England’s defense was a shell of its former self last campaign and it’s easy to see why. Not only did several key cogs leave in free agency, but they also had the most opt outs of any team in the NFL, some of whom, like Patrick Chung and Dont’a Hightower, were projected to start.
Following the Patriots’ free agent splurge, however, we might see them rejoin the conversation to determine the best defense in the league. While that figures to be a collective effort, the impact of their rejuvenated linebacking corps figures to make the biggest difference.
The return of Hightower will be gargantuan, though fans should give him some time to get back into the swing of things after taking 2020 off. The return of Kyle Van Noy, who re-signed after being released by the Dolphins, will also add a needed veteran presence at the position.
The linebacker position will be a strength for the Patriots next season.
And finally, the addition of Matt Judon, who can line up at OLB or defensive end and has logged 236 tackles, 34.5 sacks, 103 QB hits and seven forced fumbles over his career, will give the Patriots their best individual pass-rushing talent in recent memory.
Throw in the fact that guys like Josh Uche and Chase Winovich, who flashed potential as rookies, could have more of an impact as sophomores, and you’ll realize that New England’s greatest weakness from last year will become one of their biggest strengths in 2021.