Like so many great teams in professional sports, returning to the championship game is very tough. This year, however, may be the exception as football fans will hope to witness the New England Patriots attempt to reach the Super Bowl two years in a row. In this article, we will review three areas as to why the New England Patriots will return to the Super Bowl in 2018.
Why The Patriots Will Return To The Super Bowl In 2018
A Healthy Tom Brady
With all the offseason drama surrounding the rumors of Tom Brady retiring, the 41-year-old wonder will be ready for the 2018 season. Last season, for instance, Brady threw for 4,577 yards and 32 touchdown passes and not to mention a 102 quarterback rating. The key to a successful Patriots season is providing reliable pass protection. Last season, for example, the Patriots line gave up the most sacks in the NFL.
Excellent Coaching Staff
Considering the loss of defensive coordinator Matt Patricia, the Patriots coaching staff remains intact. With rumors of the organization losing both Josh McDaniels and Patricia, team owner Robert Kraft salvaged McDaniels at the last minute. Replacing Patricia is defensive backs coordinator Brian Flores. By retaining McDaniels as the offensive coordinator, many people around the NFL feel that he will be Belichick’s replacement. It was widely speculated after the teams Super Bowl loss that the coaches time was coming to an end. But with all the post-Super Bowl drama, Belichick remains as head coach.
If Brady and Belichick can regain their trust factor, there is no reason why the Patriots can not repeat as AFC Champions. Many fans thought that by Belichick not starting cornerback Malcolm Butler that their working relationship may have come to an end. With preseason workouts three weeks away football fans will be watching closely.
New Faces
Since the start of voluntary workouts, fans are concerned with why Tom Brady is not attending workouts despite the sessions being voluntary. Many people feel that the quarterback should be practicing with his team.
During free agency, the team signed receivers Cordarrelle Patterson and Jordan Matthews. Plus the club also came to terms with ex Cincinnati Bengals running back Jeremy Hill. With the dismissal of the team’s trainer, Alex Guerrero, fans feel that this is one of the reasons as to why Brady is not participating.
Along with free agency, the Patriots had a very successful draft filling team needs. With their two first-round picks, the team selected Georgia guard/tackle Isaiah Wynn and teammate running back, Sony Michel. Michel has a reputation for being an excellent open field runner but also possesses excellent pass receiving skills. Michel ran for a total of 3,600 yards in his four years at Georgia. The issue with Michel is ball security. If Michel expects to play for Belichick, then he must improve on his fumble tendencies.
Last Word
With a healthy Julian Edelman, new receivers and new players on the offensive line, there is no reason as to why the Patriots shouldn’t repeat as AFC Champions and return to the Super Bowl. A lot depends on how Brady and Belichick can still work together. If the relationship appears as strained as it seems, it may be time to say goodbye to the Brady Belichick era.
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