FOXBOROUGH, MA - DECEMBER 29: Tom Brady #12 shakes the hand of owner Robert Kraft of the New England Patriots before a game against the Miami Dolphins at Gillette Stadium on December 29, 2019 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)
Knowing what we know now about the roster, the New England Patriots’ would have needed to pull off a miracle to make the playoffs last season.
After all, eight players opted out, multiple starters departed in free agency, and new quarterback Cam Newton was coming off major shoulder surgery, didn’t sign until just before the start of training camp, and tested positive for COVID-19 just as he found a groove under center.