The New England Patriots are coming off another Super Bowl win and the expectations heading into this season haven't changed.
This team has more storylines though than just Super Bowl Rings and these storylines could decide if they raise another Lombardi Trophy.
Let's break down the four biggest storylines heading into the season for the Patriots.
4. How will the running back rotation look?
Bill Belichick has always been a coach that loves to use many running backs, and he has a crowded backfield that wants touches again this season.
Sony Michel came on strong last season rushing 209 times for 931 yards and six touchdowns. Not often has Bill Belichick had a true number one running back week in and week out, but this season might be the year that has to happen.
James White is still the pass-catching back out of the backfield, and he is going to get his touches again this year.
After the top two is where the log jam starts. Rex Burkhead and Brandon Bolden are back from last year's squad and are probably competing for the final running back spot. The Patriots also drafted Damien Harris, who proved to be a three-down back for the Alabama Crimson Tide.
If the Patriots keep Bolden and release Burkhead, I wouldn't expect Bolden to get many carries as his focus will likely be on special teams.
If the Patriots decide to keep Burkhead, that is going to really cram things up and most games four backs will probably get carries.
3. How will the Patriots replace Rob Gronkowski?
The big question heading into the off-season was how exactly the Patriots were going to replace Rob Gronkowski.
The Patriots seemed to have at least the question kind of figured out when the team signed Ben Watson, who came out of a short retirement to join the team.
A wrench was thrown into that plan when it was announced that Watson was facing a four-game suspension, and now the questions continue.
Matt LaCosse and Austin Seferian-Jenkins are the other two tight ends who are expected to contribute, but that doesn't make many feel much better.
So who is going to step up?
That's the question that needs to be answered and it needs to be taken care of early.
2. Will this be the year Tom Brady starts to show signs of his age?
Tom Brady is 41 years old, and he still doesn't want to talk about retirement and doesn't plan on doing that anytime soon.
Though there were questions about his play during the season, when it mattered most in the playoffs, Brady stepped up and led the team to the Super Bowl.
At some point, Brady's age is going to show, and he isn't going to be able to just turn it on and lead the team to victories.
Is this the year it happens?
1. Is N'Keal Harry the next Patriots star wide receiver?
The Patriots selected N'Keal Harry with the 32nd pick in the draft and the expectations are going to be sky high right away.
As a junior at Arizona State, Harry caught 73 passes for 1088 yards and nine touchdowns.
Harry isn't a tight end, but he could be a guy that helps replace the production that is lost with Gronkowski gone.
He should get a ton of chances, and anything less than a big season will be disappointing.
Follow Us
Subscribe