The New England Patriots might have a tough time in the loaded AFC East this year, but they still have a few distinct advantages. Each team in the NFL, even some of the worst ones, likely have an advantage or two over some of their divisional rivals. This is the case for the New England Patriots as well.
Sure, they might have a tough time in the division this year, but they’re still a very talented team and they do have a legitimate chance at playing the playoffs in 2022. There are a few areas on the team overall that they have some advantages, and if all goes well, these advantages should be able to give some a boost throughout the season.
3 distinct advantages Patriots have in the AFC East
Arguably the best defense in the division
The Patriots and the Bills have two of the NFL’s top defenses. Last year, the Bills were first in scoring defense, and the Patriots were third. However, the Patriots have fielded a very good defense for the bulk of Bill Belichick’s career in New England.
They’ve been one of the most consistent units in football of this generation, and there’s no reason to believe they they’ll fall off in 2022. I do think they might have trouble with wide receivers, but overall, having a stout defense in 2022 is going to help them a ton, especially when facing great offenses.
The Dolphins have a solid defense, but they’re in the first year with a new head coach, and the Jets had one of the worst units in the NFL last season, so they’re likely a couple years away from fielding something competent.
3 distinct advantages Patriots have in the AFC East
Most proven and veteran head coach
Bill Belichick is the greatest head coach in the history of the NFL, and he’s still chugging along. He’s seen it all–devastating losses, exhausting wins, Super Bowl victories, Super Bowl losses, and everything in between.
There legitimately isn’t anything he hasn’t seen as a head coach in the NFL, and even though the Patriots might not be loaded with talent, that’s why coaches exist. Good coaches are able to elevate their players and get the most out of them.
This has been Belichick’s game for years, and why would this stop in 2022? Sure, I’ve been critical of some of the things the team has done this offseason, and I do think his time as an NFL head coach is closing, but his knowledge of the game and ability to make his players better is evident.
Every single week, the Patriots have an advantage with coaching, and us NFL fans have all seen instances of how bad coaching impacts a team. The New England Patriots have turned into a worldwide name and brand, and it’s because of Bill Belichick and his masterful coaching (Oh, and Tom Brady).
3 distinct advantages Patriots have in the AFC East
Their offensive line appears to be the tops in the division
The New England Patriots have been able to field above average offensive lines for years now. As for 2022, that still appears to be the case. The team will likely have four solid, proven starters along their offensive line to begin the season.
From left to right, the team appears to be ready to roll with Trent Brown, Cole Strange, David Andrews, Mike Onwenu, and Isaiah Wynn. Isaiah Wynn appears to be someone who could be on the trade block, but he’s still a Patriot, and is a talented lineman who can play multiple positions.
Trent Brown has proven to be a very good player for New England, and David Andrews is one of the best centers in football. Mike Onwenu was a diamond in the rough who can play multiple positions, and there may not be a better situation for a rookie to start into than Cole Strange, who is likely going to be the team’s starting left guard.
Four solid offensive linemen is plenty, and something that many, many teams do not have. What makes the Patriots’ offensive line even better is when you consider how many of their linemen can play multiple positions, so injuries shouldn’t make a huge different in terms of performance.
Mac Jones didn’t take many sacks last year, and that should remain the case in 2022.