Sorry to interrupt this apparent Spring of Patriots Discontent (is your workout regimen approved by your boss?), but football will be played come September.
Tom Brady may be checking his convictions, Rob Gronkowski could want to channel his inner Bobby McFerrin, and Bill Belichick might be checking his roster to see who's all in. But that will eventually subside, and the Patriots Football Club will set out to defend their back-to-back AFC championships.
The Patriots have bid adieu to Danny Amendola, Brandin Cooks, Malcolm Butler, Dion Lewis and Nate Solder, but they've done well to retool so far this offseason with more moves. As I've previously written, I'm a fan of what they've done to this point, with left tackle being the outlier. They could survive with what they have there (either a rehabbed Antonio Garcia or a returning LaAdrian Waddle), but I'm guessing they're not done there either.
Running back Jeremy Hill should help with short-yardage issues. Jordan Matthews could be an interesting weapon. Adrian Clayborn brings a strong edge presence and will team with Danny Shelton to help one of the biggest weaknesses from 2017 — first-down defense, which filters down to third down. Jason McCourty gives the Patriots options to replace Butler, and Brady makes everything work with the passing offense no matter the supporting personnel.
So with the draft coming up (and with the Patriots owning enormous capital in it), New England is well on its way to again being the AFC favorite (if they aren't already). If the Patriots took the field tomorrow, they would be in good shape, no matter what the naysayers think. Are they a juggernaut? No. Could they have more proven weapons for Brady? Yes. However, the cap is not crap, and New England is well-positioned now and for the future.
But there are two potential moves out there that would solve the Patriots' last remaining weak spots, instill fear in their rivals, and make them heavy favorites to win a sixth Super Bowl:
- Trade for Eagles left tackle Jason Peters;
- Sign Cowboys receiver Dez Bryant when/if he is released.
Offensive tackle Jason Peters on September 17, 2017 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Peter G. Aiken/Getty Images)
Dez Bryant catches a record-setting touchdown over Bashaud Breeland on November 30, 2017. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)_____________________
