New England Patriots: 5 Burning questions for the 2020 season

4. Can the defense continue dominance from last year?

In past seasons, the Patriots have had their offense far outshine what they are able to do on the defensive side of the field. It’s easy to understand that, especially when Tom Brady has led things under center for the New England offensive group.

In 2019, however, the Patriots defense was their largest bright spot and was dominant throughout the entirety of the season, oftentimes overmatching opposing offenses to keep New England in games week-in and week-out.

Another question leading into the season in 2020 is if that defensive unit will be able to maintain its stellar play and once again return to the top of the league in multiple defensive categories.

Last year, New England’s defense ranked first in the NFL in total yards it allowed opposing offenses to average per game, giving up 275.9 yards per game. The Patriots also ranked first in points given up per game with 14.1, while also managing to record a league-most 25 interceptions throughout the year.

There has been a little bit of turnover on that side of the field, las has been the case with things offensively in Foxborough, but it will be important this year perhaps more than ever for the Patriots defense to once again be a top-notch group to try and continue the franchise’s annual dominance.

While New England has traditionally been a team that has been led by its ability to overpower opponents on offense and with its high-powered passing and running games, the Patriots defense could once again emerge as one of the top units in the NFL this season and could continue their dominance for at least one more year.