The New England Patriots have had a depleted roster at the start of the season. Rob Gronkowski, injured to start the season, has yet to record an offensive touch. The team waived its starting center, and left tackle Nate Solder has missed time with injury. Rob Ninkovich is both injured and suspended. Oh, and they’ve started quarterbacks who had a combined 188 yards and one touchdown of passing experience in the NFL before this year, due to Tom Brady’s suspension.
In spite of that, they’re humming along, undefeated as usual. It’s a testament not just to Bill Belichick’s historic coaching abilities, but his success signing and trading for veteran depth this offseason, allowing him to build around cornerstones like Gronkowski and Jamie Collins.