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NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS
New England Patriots

Patriots offseason report: AFC East reign likely to continue despite Tom Brady's ban

Eric Prisbell
USA TODAY Sports
TE Rob Gronkowski (87) should help keep the Patriots afloat even while QB Tom Brady is suspended.

The New England Patriots organization is so robust — and the rest of the AFC East so lackluster — that not even a four-game suspension of their distinguished quarterback is expected to prevent them from capturing another division title.

But with Tom Brady finally surrendering the legal fight of his ban, a penalty related to his role in the Deflategate saga, New England, could encounter early season turbulence. A season-opening road date with the Arizona Cardinals, which would have been challenging even with Brady, is followed by home games against the Miami Dolphins, Houston Texans and Buffalo Bills.

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Some anxiety is justified given that third-year pro Jimmy Garoppolo, a 24-year-old from Eastern Illinois, will get his first meaningful regular-season snaps. But if the Patriots remain relatively healthy, something they failed to accomplish late last season, they are well-positioned to endure a few September stumbles.

Even with injury issues, an underwhelming offensive line and a virtually non-existent running game late in the season, New England was third in the NFL in scoring last year.

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Now add another dynamic tight end in Martellus Bennett, acquired in a trade with the Chicago Bears, to pair with all-pro Rob Gronkowski. It makes New England uniquely capable to operate in more two-tight end sets, which is bad news for defenses.

Though a deep threat for Brady remains elusive, Chris Hogan, a free agent signing from Buffalo, deepens the wide receiver corps. The running backs and offensive linemen are back healthy. The defense was sneakily quite solid last season, finishing ninth overall.

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Even with Brady's suspension, reaching a sixth consecutive AFC Championship Game — or beyond — is absolutely within reach. An even greater likelihood is yet another AFC East crown for a franchise that has won seven in a row and 12 of the last 13.

Quarterback

At some point, Brady's on-field skills will regress, but there's no reason to expect it to happen this season. Even if he doesn't play in more than 12 regular-season games, he's as good as there is. Brady, who turns 39 next month, has played some of his best football late in his career. Last season, he threw for 4,770 yards and 36 touchdowns with seven interceptions. The Patriots will need to cut down on his sacks (38 last season). New England drafted North Carolina State's Jacoby Brissett in the third round, but  Garoppolo, the team's second-rounder in 2014, prepares to start the first four games. Said Gronkowski, "Definitely you can see a huge development over the last two years in the way he handles the offense now."

Running back

The Patriots had virtually no running game after versatile Dion Lewis (anterior cruciate ligament) and LeGarrette Blount (hip) suffered injuries last season. They re-signed Blount (165 carries, 703 yards) to a one-year contract. Lewis, who also can contribute as a receiver, returns after playing in seven games. "When I was away from it, it sucked," Lewis said. "I just told myself I was going to work as hard as possible." They opted not to draft a running back despite ranking 30th  in rushing. The Patriots signed Donald Brown, who had 229 rushing yards last season with the San Diego Chargers. He should also help in pass protection.

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Wide receiver

They might lack a legitimate deep threat, but Julian Edelman and Danny Amendola are extremely effective. Edelman had 61 receptions,  third on the team, and 692 yards before breaking his foot. He is especially skilled at crossing routes. Amendola, who had minor offseason surgeries on his left knee and ankle, had 65 receptions. Signing Hogan to a three-year deal will give Brady one more capable receiver.

Tight end

Gronkowki, 27, is one of the most dangerous threats at any position. The 6-6, 265-pounder had 72 catches for 1,176 yards and 11 touchdowns in 2015.  He'll be joined by 6-6, 273-pound Bennett, who had 53 receptions for 439 yards in 2015. "It's great to be out there with him," Gronkowski said. "He's another guy who brings a lot of football knowledge to the game."

Offensive line

The Patriots can't afford to have their line be as much as a liability as it was late last season. Against the Denver Broncos in the AFC Championship Game, Brady was hit 20 times and sacked four. The best news was they rehired 68-year-old mastermind Dante Scarnecchia, who came out of retirement to rejoin the coaching staff. "Excellent coach. I can't praise him highly enough," offensive tackle Sebastian Vollmer said. "He expects the best of us and himself. He gets the best out of you." Vollmer will be at right tackle. Another 6-8 lineman, left tackle Nate Solder, will be back after suffering a season-ending biceps tear early in the season. At center, Bryan Stork is expected to engage in a battle with David Andrews. Shaq Mason is poised to start at left guard, with Tre Jackson at right guard. Guard Jonathan Cooper, a former first-round pick, arrived in a trade with the Arizona Cardinals.

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Defensive line

The Patriots lost Akiem Hicks and released Dominique Easley. They dealt Chandler Jones (team-high 12½ sacks last season) to Arizona. Look for Geneo Grissom and Trey Flowers to try to fill that void. Alan Branch was strong against the run. Malcom Brown, a first-round pick in 2015, had three sacks. Jabaal Sheard had eight sacks and four forced fumbles. Rob Ninkovich had 6½ sacks. They signed often-injured Chris Long, who averaged 11 sacks from 2011 to 2013 for the St. Louis Rams, but it remains to be seen what he can offer.

Linebacker

Dont'a Hightower is the on-field leader of the defense. He and Jamie Collins combined for nine sacks and make up one of the NFL's best linebacker tandems. Collins, who had five forced fumbles, is ultra-athletic with the versatility to cover running backs. He led the team with 89 tackles. Other than Jonathan Freeny, the Patriots have little depth behind the starters. Also watch Shea McClellin, who played the last four seasons with the Bears.

Secondary

Super Bowl hero Malcolm Butler had a strong season, starting 16 games and defending 15 passes. Logan Ryan started 14 and had a team-high four interceptions. Keep an eye on Cyrus Jones, a second-round pick from Alabama who could be a slot corner. Devin McCourty is  one of the best cover safeties in the league. Duron Harmon had three interceptions last season. Patrick Chung is an impressive hybrid linebacker-safety.

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Special teams

Stephen Gostkowski, 32, made 33 of 36 field-goal attempts, including 16 of 19 from 40 yards or more. His costly extra-point miss in the AFC title game was his first since his rookie season in 2006.

Coaching

Bill Belichick, 64, is the preeminent coach in the NFL and one of the best in league history. More than winning four Super Bowls in New England, his teams have remained a perennial contender for 15 years, a remarkable accomplishment in the age of free agency and parity.

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Follow Eric Prisbell on Twitter @EricPrisbell

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