The New England Patriots returned to the mountaintop by winning the Super Bowl last season, but they've had as rough of an offseason as anyone. This offseason figures to play a big role in determining if New England can continue their success in the foreseeable future, so here are three things we learned:
1) The world is out to get Tom Brady and the Patriots
The term "Deflategate" sums this one up pretty well.
2) Renewed investment in the Patriot Way
Vince Wilfork is gone. Darrelle Revis is gone. Brandon Browner is gone. Shane Vereen is gone. Yet, New England isn't expected to lose a step because we're so used to Bill Belichick replacing older players before their decline (Wilfork) or who want too much money (Review, Browner, Vereen) with very capable players. This year may be the biggest test of that philosophy with the mass amount of losses, particularly on the defensive side of the ball.
3) Is Jimmy Garoppolo the future?
The second-year man out of Eastern Illinois will (probably) be the Patriots’ opening day starter after Tom Brady was suspended for four games (he’s appealing) for his role in the “Deflategate” scandal. It’s been a very long time since the Patriots had anyone other than Tom Brady under center, but New England will be giving the ball to Garoppolo instead of of trying to bring in a veteran, showing their faith in him.
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