Last season, the New England Patriots finished with a losing record for the first time since 2000. For reference, the PlayStation 2 was released in 2000. But here we are after an offseason of big spending from Bill Belichick, and there is hope among Patriots fans that the team returns to its winning ways. Let’s begin there, with New England’s offseason moves. The Patriots added to their roster by four different avenues this offseason: via trade, free agency, the draft, and
welcoming players back who elected to opt-out last season due to COVID-19. The Patriots’ biggest need was offensive playmakers, so they went out and signed Hunter Henry, Jonnu Smith, Nelson Agholor, and Kendrick Bourne, among others. None of these players are superstars, but their levels of production will be miles ahead of most of last year’s skill position players. The team also retained center David Andrews and added tackle Trent Brown to what should be a top-five offensive line in the league.

New England will look to be a physical team that has high success running the ball out of two-tight end sets and passes when they need to. While New England added plenty to their offense this offseason, it’s hard to imagine that Bill Belichick’s biggest smile (okay, half-smile) didn’t come when bolstering his defense for the upcoming season. Matt Judon, Kyle Van Noy, and Jalen Mills highlight the team’s free agent signings. Meanwhile, Christian Barmore was acquired through the draft and Dont’a Hightower is set to return after opting-out of the 2020 season.

The Patriots allowed the seventh-fewest points per game last year, and, while Patrick Chung’s retirement leaves a hole, they are overall stronger defensively than they were in 2020. The team’s linebacker unit is in a far better position than last season, and the secondary will continue to suffocate opposing receivers. Look for Kyle Dugger to potentially break out this year.

The Patriots play in an up-and-coming division, and with the Buffalo Bills entering the season as a top-five team, it will be difficult for New England to capture the AFC East crown. That being said, they are led by the greatest coach of all time and seem to have filled a multitude of holes this offseason, so they should not be counted out.

Regular season record prediction: 10-7