2018 Record - 11-5-0
Head Coach - Bill Belichick
Newcomers for 2019 - Benjamin Watson (TE), Michael Bennett (DL), Maurice Harris (WR), Demaryius Thomas (WR), Matt LaCosse (TE), Brandon Bolden (RB), Mike Pennel (DL)
Keys on Offense - Quarterback Tom Brady is back for his 20th season and showed no signs of slowing down last year, passing for 4,355 yards with 29 touchdowns and eleven interceptions.
Running back Sony Michel (931 rush yards, 4.5 ypc average and six TD) is the top back and James White (425, 4.5 ypc, five TD along with team leading 87 receptions for 751 yards and seven TD) plays a vital role as both a runner and receiver out of the backfield.
Wide receiver Julian Edelman (74, 850, six TD) was the Super Bowl MVP and is the favorite target of Brady. Other receivers who will contribute to the Patriots offense include Phillip Dorsett (32, 290, three TD), Demaryius Thomas (23, 275, two TD with Houston), Maurice Harris (28, 304 with Washington) and rookie draft pick N'Keal Harry (Arizona State). Benjamin Watson (35, 400, two TD) is looking to be the starting tight end after coming over from New Orleans. Matt LaCosse (24, 250, one TD with Denver) is another option for tight end.
Keys on Defense - Michael Bennett (nine QB sacks) comes over from Philadelphia and will play Defensive End. Lawrence Guy, Deatrich Wise (4 1/2 sacks) and Mike Pennel round out the front line. Linebackers include Dont'a Hightower, Kyle Van Noy (3 1/2 sacks), Elandon Roberts and Ja'Whaun Bentley.
In the secondary is Stephon Gilmore (two interceptions), Devin McCourty, Duron Harmon (four picks), Jason McCourty, Patrick Chung, J.C. Jackson (three INT), Jonathan Jones (three INT) and Joejuan Williams.
The Patriots defense ranked 21st overall (359 ypg allowed) but was seventh in scoring defense, giving up 20.3 points per game. New England had 18 interceptions and 30 QB sacks last season.
OUTLOOK - Brady and Belichick.
This team just keeps on getting it done year in and year out and that is a credit to Head Coach Bill Belichick and the system they play. Of course, having Tom Brady playing quarterback helps big time.
The Patriots won the Super Bowl last year and it was their third consecutive appearance in that game. Unless another team steps up in the AFC this season, just go ahead and pencil in the Patriots once again for the Super Bowl. Kansas City and perhaps the Los Angeles Chargers come to mind as teams that could dethrone the champs, but they both lost to the Patriots in the AFC Playoffs.
The offense just keeps humming along, ranking fifth in total yardage (393 ypg) last season, including fifth in rushing (127 ypg) and sixth in passing (266 ypg) while averaging 27.2 points per game, which was fourth in the NFL.
On the other side, the defense once again played the bend but do not break style that wears on teams and keeps the Pats in so many games. Doing the little things that makes the difference is what sets this team apart. New England was a plus-10 in the turnover category as well.
As long as Brady stays healthy and the players around him do their part (Edelman, White, Michel, etc.) expect this team to be playoff bound once again and one of the favorites to win it all. Brady won't have (retired TE) Rob Gronkowski this season, so that could be a slight chink in the armor but the Patriots have the knack for being able to adjust minus big time players. They have been doing it in the Brady-Belichick era since 2001.
Another AFC East title appears likely in 2019 as the Patriots should go 12-4 and perhaps get to and win yet another Super Bowl.
Stay tuned.
TEAM SCHEDULE
Week 1 - vs. Pittsburgh
Week 2 - at Miami
Week 3 - vs. NY Jets
Week 4 - at Buffalo
Week 5 - at Washington
Week 6 - vs. NY Giants
Week 7 - at NY Jets
Week 8 - vs. Cleveland
Week 9 - at Baltimore
Week 10 - BYE
Week 11 - at Philadelphia
Week 12 - vs. Dallas
Week 13 - at Houston
Week 14 - vs. Kansas City
Week 15 - at Cincinnati
Week 16 - vs. Buffalo
Week 17 - vs. Miami
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