New England Patriots geared up, but how good are they in 2021?
No team did more in free agency than the New England Patriots before drafting quarterback Mac Jones in the first round, but what’s the ceiling?
After spending more than $250 million in free agency and then using their first-round pick to select the franchise quarterback, few teams did more to remake themselves than the New England Patriots.
At 69 years old, Bill Belichick is the oldest head coach in football. Perhaps his age was one of the reasons for the huge splurge on talent. Perhaps it was one of the greatest football minds of all time understanding his plight, and realizing the roster needed massive help across the board.
Want $250 to bet on NFL futures?
Regardless, the Patriots went for broke. They landed receivers Nelson Agholor and Kendrick Bourne, along with tight ends Jonnu Smith and Hunter Henry. Defensively, Jalen Mills joins the secondary after an uneven tenure with the Philadelphia Eagles, while Matt Judon comes over from the Baltimore Ravens to provide pass rush off the edge.
Then there’s Mac Jones, the Alabama product who New England selected with the 15th-overall pick. Jones will battle with veteran Cam Newton for the starting job, but after watching Newton throw for only eight touchdowns last year while his arm wore down as the months went on, Jones has a serious shot to start immediately.
Ultimately, the Patriots are going to look significantly different when they take the field come September, but what’s the ceiling?
Reasonably, New England is the second-best team in the AFC East. It’s tough to argue the Patriots are ahead of the Buffalo Bills, even if you’re in love with their offseason moves. Josh Allen just wrapped a Second-Team All–Pro campaign while Stefon Diggs led the league in receiving yards. The defense, which actually underachieved in 2020, is talented on all three levels.
Read: Jason Kidd Considered A Frontrunner For Mavericks Job
Conference-wide, there remains a large gulf between New England and the Kansas City Chiefs. After winning two AFC titles (and a Super Bowl) over the past two seasons, the Chiefs appear as strong as ever with Patrick Mahomes leading the way.
After that, though, New England could be the third-best team, albeit with stiff competition. The Cleveland Browns have a better roster, and the Baltimore Ravens likely do as well. The Tennessee Titans, Miami Dolphins, Los Angeles Chargers, Pittsburgh Steelers and Indianapolis Colts also have legit playoff aspirations, but are any definitely better than the Patriots? No, although the same is true in reverse.
The Patriots would need almost everything to break right for them to reach the AFC Divisional round, but there’s a path. It’s much more than could have been said last year.
