The New England Patriots are one of the best franchises in all of sports. They have not had a losing season since 2000.
Over that span, they have 18 seasons with 10 or more wins, including 16 in a row. New England has won the AFC East in each of the last 10 seasons, and 15 out of the last 16. Tom Brady has led the Patriots to six Super Bowl victories with their last one coming last season.
Heading into 2019, it does not look like the Patriots will be going anywhere. As long as Brady is at quarterback and Bill Belichick is the head coach, the Patriots will be Super Bowl contenders. They have played with many different skill position guys,some no names, and it does not matter. New England found the perfect system years ago, and the league has not been able to figure it out.
The Patriots preseason schedule will begin on Thursday night against the Detroit Lions. This is a new look Patriots' team.
These are three things to watch when New England takes the field for the first time in 2019.
3. Post Gronk Era
After winning another Super Bowl, Rob Gronkowski decided to call it quits. He retired from the NFL leaving the Patriots with a big hole at tight end. Gronkowski left his mark on the NFL in a big way.
On the field, he was arguably the best tight end of all-time. If not, he was definitely in the top three. Gronkowski changed the way the tight end position is played. He dominated the game the way no one ever saw at tight end. Off the field, Gronkowski displayed his party animal, outgoing personality.
The Patriots will need to find a new tight end. It seems to be a battle between Benjamin Watson and Matt LaCosse. Neither are Gronkowski, but Brady can turn them into strong contributors. New England may decide to use a platoon at tight end. Multiple players will get time at the position.
Heading into the first preseason game, it will be interesting to see how the Patriots decide to manage the tight end position.
2. Wide Receiver Replacements
The Patriots had two receivers leave in free agency. Chris Hogan and Cordarrelle Patterson will be playing for new teams in 2019.
It will be another season of bringing in new receivers. Super Bowl MVP Julian Edelman is back to serve as the teams No. 1 receiver.
New England used their first round draft pick in April on N'Keal Harry. He is a young, talented receiver that is expected to grab a starting role. The Patriots also brought in veteran Demaryius Thomas to add depth.
On paper, the receiving core in New England looks stronger this season than it did in 2018, which could be a scary thing for the rest of the league.
There will be a battle during the preseason to see who will fill out the depth chart after Edelman.
1. Final Edge Rusher
The Patriots have always had a strong defense. While Brady and Belichick get most of the credit, this is not a one-dimensional team.
Heading into 2019, they have improved at the edge rusher position. The Patriots traded for Michael Bennett in the offseason. This gives them one of the best players at rushing the quarterback. Bennett also brings leadership to the defense.
Deatrich Wise Jr. and Chase Winovich will serve as the other rushers on the depth chart. Winovich is a young player who the Patriots feel can turn into a leader on defense. After the top three, there are four players fighting for playing time. Heading into the first preseason game, it looks like Keionta Davis will be fourth on the depth chart. He will be on the left side of the defense.
New England is once again favored to win the AFC East, and will be one of the favorites to win the Super Bowl. This is one of the teams in the league that usually has everything figured out. The preseason is strictly a time to get players ready for another long season of winning. Against the Lions, the Patriots will debut new players on both sides of the ball.
New England's first preseason game will be a must-watch as the season get closer.
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