the Patriots defense surprisingly has a lot to overcome

The Patriots had one of the best defensive units in football during the 2019 campaign but free agency and covid saw the team lose many valuable players.

The Patriots had issues stopping the run, even with Danny Shelton but Shelton went off and got paid. The Patriots have a slew of players but can they step up. Beau Allen isn't a spring chicken, Guy got beat out by Sheldon in 2019. Adam Butler is known for his pass rushing and Nick Coe is a hybrid end tackle. The Patriots moved Covington from outside linebacker to defensive line coach, so the entire unit may take some time to come around.

At linebacker, the Patriots lost Van Noy, Hightower, Collins, and Roberts. The Patriots had one if not the best linebacker units in football last season. They were versatile and could do it all. The Patriots brought in Uche, Jennings, Copeland it was expected Dugger to help the linebacking core. With Hightower now gone, can this unit step up? These are a couple of free agent veterans that could possibly help but is Belichick willing to spend the money?

The Patriots still field the best secondary unit but with Harmon, Ebner, and Chung now all gone, the Patriots are left with uncertainty at the safety position. Dugger was expected to play more of a linebacker nickleback role. JoeJaun Williams is still learning the position and we don't know if Terrence Brooks and Adrian Phillips are ready to be main pieces of the secondary. The Patriots have also moved Steven Belichick, who has kept the Secondary elite, to outside linebacker coach and promoted little brother Brian Belichick.

There's reason to be confident with the Patriots offense with the departure of Brady. The offensive line is healthy, the Patriots drafted two good tight ends. Jacob Johnson is back, the Patriots signed Marquis Lee and two really good undrafted wide receivers in Jeff Thomas and Will Hastings. Michel and Harris are ready to be a one two punch. Not to mention The two former Auburn Tigers playing quarterback. If you want to know more, about why the offense will be better, check out my article from yesterday. 

Obstacles keep getting in Belichick's way, but that has never stopped Bill. There's a motto in New England, one us fans know well. "Do Your Job!", that doesn't apply to just the players. That mindset starts at the top and trickles it's way down to the water body and kid who grabs the tee on kick offs. The Patriots will be ready come week one.