New England Patriots Preview 2021

NFLNFL Preview 2021AFC Preview 2021AFC East Preview 2021AFCAFC EastNew England Patriots

Sep 4

Our New England Patriots preview 2021 notes that last season was unlike so many of the last 20 that preceded it. First and foremost, there was no Tom Brady. Plus, no Rob Gronkowski. Cam Newton started at QB and tossed eight TD passes and 10 picks. He did run for 12 scores. However, the Pats, who finished third in the AFC East with a 7-9 record and out of the postseason, drafted Alabama quarterback Mac Jones in Round One. Plus, the New England added a slew of vet free agents, let Newton go, and signaled this is a new era.

Patriots Offense

It is the Mac Jones era. Jones fits the New England QB prototype, decisive, accurate, cool, and calm. However, in his first NFL season, expect his fortunes to rise and fall. The offensive line is the best unit on this side of the ball. Over the past two seasons, the Patriot wideouts and tight ends were some of the worst-rated in the NFL. Major changes include the addition of the two, top free-agent tights ends, Hunter Henry and Jonnu Smith. Plus, the team added veteran wideouts Nelson Agholor and Kendrick Bourne. Jacobi Meyers (59 REC, 729 YDs, 12.4 AVG, 0 TDs), who was the team’s top pass catcher in 2020, returns. Running back Damien Harris (137 ATT, 691 YDs, 5.0 AVG, 2 TDs) returns as the team’s top back. Rookie J.J. Taylor is likely to see action.

New England Patriots Preview – Defense

Last season, the Pats allowed 22.2 PPG (7th). However, they scored just 20.4 PPG (27th). Our New England Patriots preview 2021 sees the defense as once again being stingy. Their secondary was their strength, as they grabbed 18 picks (T-1st) and allowed 222.3 YPG in passing (8th). However, New England was 26th versus the run and tied for 26th in sacks. In response to last season’s performance upfront, the team signed premium vets Davon Godchaux and Henry Anderson. Additionally, Deatrich Wise Jr. and Lawrence Guy were re-signed, and depth has been added.

The LB unit includes Dont'a Hightower, who opted out last season, and free agent Matthew Judon. Judon, formerly with the Ravens, is an edge threat. Also, the versatile Kyle Van Noy, a former Patriot, returns after one season with the Dolphins. Finally, the secondary is perhaps the best in the AFC. Led by safety Devin McCourty, who grabbed nine interceptions last season, this group includes strong safety Kyle Dugger and corners Stephon Gilmore and J.C. Jackson.

New England Patriots Special Teams

Reliable and accurate veteran kicker Nick Folk (30-33 XPs, 26-28 FGs) returns. Punter Jake Bailey, who last year in his second NFL season earned All-Pro and Pro Bowl honors, also comes back. Additionally, 2020 first-team All-Pro Gunner Olszewski handles kicks and punts again. Reliable long snapper Joe Cardona returns for his seventh season.