The New England Patriots knew in early March they’d be replacing Tom Brady. They handled that situation just fine.
What nobody could have guessed in early March was that a pandemic would cost the Patriots multiple starters and other key veterans as they opt out of the 2020 season.
When players were allowed the option of sitting out this season due to coronavirus concerns, the first team that was hit the hardest was the Patriots. And it’ll be much harder for them to fill the holes now that it’s late July.