New England Patriots - 2019 Season Preview - NFL Picks & Predictions

The New England Patriots have won six Super Bowl titles since 2000, while no other team in the league has won two during that time period. The key to the New England dominance has been the combination of head coach Bill Belichick and QB Tom Brady. The Patriots ranked a machine-like fifth in total yards and averaged 27 points during the regular season. Brady showed no signs of aging, throwing for 4,355 yards and 29 touchdowns.

The Patriots took a series offseason blow, when TE Rob Gronkowski announced his retirement. WR Julian Edelman will now be Brady’s go-to option in the passing game, while RB Sony Michel figures to be leaned on heavily on the ground.

Bill Belichick has earned his reputation in the NFL as a defensive genius and he continues to prove that his scheme is more important that the pieces. New England lost their best pass rusher in free agency, but veteran DE Michael Bennett will soften the blow. Rookie DE Chase Winovich has impressed early in training camp and could be in store for a solid year.

New England always improves defensively as the season moves along and CB Stephen Gilmore will be counted on to be a shutdown presence. Dont’a Hightower is the most talented player in the Patriots linebacking corps, but has a history of being injured.