The preseason is all about over or under reactions to what certain teams are doing. In al reality the games don't matter in any aspect, but what you see on the field helps predict what you think will happen. Through two games I am convinced that the Patriots are back to being a top team in the AFC.
Not only did they draft Mac Jones who has shown great stuff in his first two games, but it sure has seemed to wake up Cam Newton. The former MVP has been keeping some distance from the rookie and is still taking first team reps, which means Cam Newton is doing a lot better than he was last year. The even better news is that it really doesn't seem to matte who will be the guy, the team is rolling well.
They have improved offensively with their additions of Hunter Henry, Jonnu Smith, and Nelson Agholor. This seems like they are going for heavy vibes of what used to be Gronk, Bennet, Edelman. The running back core is loaded with guys who have had a ton of success already at the position, and the offensive line is the best it's been in a while.
The team is also returning eight players who opted out of the 2020 season, that includes linebacker Dont'a Hightower and Safety Patrick Chung. This improves a defense that really didn't fall off much at all last year.
All of this is nice, and to make even it better for New England they are in the bottom half in terms of strength of schedule. Uh oh.
Now look the Buffalo Bills are still in the division so there's no guarantee for a home playoff game, but i'm putting the bet down right now that New England wins 10 games and is back in the playoffs like they never left.
For more on the Pats and the rest of the preseason check out the latest Deep Shot Podcast! Link Below.
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