NFLs New England Patriots Record Prediction 2020-21
New England Patriots Record Prediction
The last time the Patriots didn’t win the AFC East title was in 2008. It took Tom Brady tearing his ACL for what could have been 19 straight division titles until today. People are tired of seeing the Patriots winning and I don’t blame them. This off-season brought them some hope.
For the first time in 20 years Tom Brady is no longer a member of the Patriots. The door opened for the Bills to win the division and they were favored over the Patriots as the AFC East winners! Vegas usually knows best and it was clear the glaring issue was at Quarterback. No matter how much you talk up Jarrett Stidham as franchise Quarterback I just don’t believe you. And then it happened.
Not only did the Patriots sign Cam Newton, they signed him for under 2 million a year making him the 49th highest paid QB in a highly incentivized deal. Many think Cam is washed up, but the last time we saw him he was playing through an injury. It was only seasons ago that he was the NFL’s MVP and he is more motivated than ever. This is the perfect fit.
Josh McDaniels is one of the most underrated offensive minds in football and i’m sure he’s chomping at the bit with ideas for how to use Cam. Remember that this is the same head coach who gave the green light for drafting Tim Tebow in the first round. He loves his rushing Quarterbacks and even won a playoff game with Tebow at the helm. Hate on him all you want, i’d take 2020 Cam over Tebow in his prime.
Running Quarterbacks are especially effective when you have a great defense and this one is led by Bill Belichick. Let me say that I don’t think this will be the unanimous best defense in the NFL. They not only lost Kyle Van Noy, Jamie Collins and Danny Shelton to free agency but have also lost Dont’a Hightower and Patrick Chung from opting out due to COVID. Once again, I can’t see them being the best defense in the NFL, but it’s hard to imagine them falling off considering how well coached they will be for this short turnaround. He will find replacements and there will be likely an emerging star as per usual Bill Belichick fashion. He just has a knack for finding diamonds in the rough players every season.
While their front 7 figures it out, this secondary is still what I think is the best in the NFL. They made it their goal this off-season to retain the McCourty brothers who will continue to dominate with Stephon Gilmore locking down a side of the field. It’s also worth mentioning J.C. Jackson is one of the most underappreciated young cornerbacks in the NFL who keeps getting better by the year. I think a lot more people will be respecting his name after this season.
When it all comes down to it I think the short season plays into the Patriots favor. It will take great coaching for a team to mesh well together early in the season and there is no better coaching staff than in New England. It will not be easy for the Patriots to keep their streak alive winning the AFC East, but I have them barely overcoming the Bills as they finish the season 10-6.
Do you agree? Will they finally lose the AFC East? Check me out on Instagram @sogfootball where I interact most with you guys!
