New England Patriots: 5 Reasons Antonio Brown makes team Super Bowl lock
4. Rushing game will remain fierce
At the end of last season and throughout the playoffs, the New England Patriots found their bread and butter with their running game. Sony Michel capped off his rookie campaign in emphatic fashion and looks to capitalize on that with a strong sophomore season. However, as is typical with this team, he’s not alone as he has the likes of James White, rookie Damien Harris and Rex Burkhead behind him.
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Whenever the Patriots passing attack isn’t at its best, New England has the horses to continue what made them successful at the end of last year. They can continue to run the ball behind a strong offensive line, controlling the clock and the flow of the game. With the wide receiver corps now more dangerous, too, the running backs should have more room to operate in the middle of the field as well.
3. Loaded group of pass-catchers
Obviously, the group of pass-catchers in New England now includes Antonio Brown. However, he’s now a part of what is a loaded group for Tom Brady to throw to. Even with Rob Gronkowski now retired, the Pats have Brown, Josh Gordon, Julian Edelman, rookie N’Keal Harry (once he returns from IR), Demaryius Thomas and rookie preseason star Jakobi Meyers.
While the tight end group is far lesser than it’s been in recent years with Gronk now sitting at home, the wide receiver corps is absolutely lethal. This group is bursting with versatility and the ability to attack every level of the field and keep opposing secondaries guessing for 60 minutes in every game. And with the aforementioned run game helping to open things up, good luck to defenses trying to stop this group.