As NFL fans sit amidst a global pandemic, wondering how the 2020 season will be played out, teams are preparing themselves for the start of the season. In a short training camp, the New England Patriots must have leaders on and off the field. When the team needs a play to be made, these are the players that teammates, coaches, and fans expect to shine big when the lights are shining the brightest. Here are the three faces of the 2020 New England Patriots.
Faces of the 2020 New England Patriots
Bill Belichick
Already considered by many to be the greatest coach of all time, Bill Belichick is entering this season with a lot more to prove than what might be assumed. The question of, “Can he win without Tom Brady?” has always been hanging around him. With the New England Patriots having a league-high eight players opt out, this might not be the best year to try and answer that question.
Belichick has always been known as a defensive mastermind; a trait which should ensure their defense remains top tier this season. The real issues reside on the offensive side of the ball. The Patriots failed to make any real improvements to their offensive skill positions in the off-season. It will take an extraordinary effort from the next individual on this list to help make this Patriots offense look even somewhat competent this season.
Cam Newton
Even though he has yet to be named the starter, Cam Newton will definitely be one of the faces of the franchise for this upcoming season. Regardless of what the Jarrett Stidham fans are saying, Newton is by far the most talented quarterback on the roster. If he is 100 percent healthy, he is a sure fire bet to be the starting quarterback in week one.
However, Cam Newton may be in a lose-lose situation this season. The offense for the Patriots looks abysmal and is lacking talent in almost every position. Any quarterback would struggle to succeed in the offense as it is currently constructed. His doubters will use his impending lack of production to verify their dislike of him. Odds are the Patriots will still look to draft another quarterback even if he does post respectable numbers. Either way, all Newton can do is try to limit his turnovers and keep their games in tight, defensive battles.
Julian Edelman
Once considered to be the best slot wide receiver in the league, Julian Edelman has recently fallen on rough times, leading the league with nine drops last season and missing three starts due to injury. Yet, he still managed to eclipse 1000 yards receiving – a remarkable achievement for a slot receiver – for only the third time in his 10-year career.
The Patriots are going to need Edelman to cut down on the drops and maintain health to remain competitive on offense. Rookie wide receiver N’Keal Harry appears to be a bust so far, and the rest of the wide receiver group leaves very little to be desired. Cam Newton has never been known as one to consistently throw the ball deep down the field, so Edelman will have plenty of opportunities to show why he is still one of the premier slot wide receivers in the league.
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