The Next Dynasty?

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 Written By: Matt Ferreira

Image via patriots.com



 While the record may not show it, the New England Patriots look to have some key pieces in their next dynasty. The only variable, will Bill Belichick hold on to them all?


 To start with the most important position, the Patriots currently have the best quarterback (so far) out of the most recent draft class. Mac Jones has continued to impress as Bill Belichick has coached him up through the playbook. The 23 year old has the highest completion percentage among rookie quarterbacks, and is fourth in the league only behind franchise players Dak Prescott, Kyler Murray, and Russel Wilson. The more the playbook has opened up for Jones the better he has gotten, averaging 254 passing yards per game and setting a career high with his first 300 passing yard game last week against the Jets (307). If Jones continues to make smart short passes and can continue to drop bombs down field, with his confidence and poise he will be a superstar in the NFL sooner than many think.



 In the backfield the Patriots could be set for a long time, with Damien Harris, J.J. Taylor, and Rhamondre Stevenson the Pats continue to produce running backs. Harris is one of the most underrated running backs in the league right now, sitting ninth in the league in rushing yards, and tied for third in the league in touchdowns, Harris runs this offense. Harris has a physical running style, but is still quick enough to break out on long runs, continuing to put up 100+ yard games.    

 J.J. Taylor, while not active for many games, is a solid running back. While not very physical standing at 5’6, Taylor is very elusive and can stop on a dime. A patient runner, if Taylor finds a hole he likes he can run it for a long way. His pure speed helps him as a role player on special teams as well. 

 Rhamondre Stevenson, the fourth round pick out of Oklahoma is a great guy to have right next to Damien Harris. Stevenson, like Harris, is a power back with speed, his only problem is holding onto the football. At Oklahoma, Stevenson rushed for 1180 yards in only 19 games, averaging 7.2 yards per rush attempt, it is still a surprise Rhamondre was overlooked by many teams.



 The weakness for the Patriots the last few years has been the receiving core. With the departures of Rob Gronkowski, Julian Edelman, Josh Gordon, and even Antonio Brown it has been hard to find good pass catchers. The best for the Pats the last few years has been Jakobi Meyers, the 24 year old slot receiver who has replaced Edelman after his retirement, and has filled the role well, continuing to create space for Mac to get him the ball. 

 This offseason Belichick brought in experienced receivers for Mac including Hunter Henry, Jonnu Smith, Kendrick Bourne, and Nelson Agholor. All but Agholor are 26 years old and still have time to grow into the Patriots system. Henry was a proven pass catcher in Los Angeles with the Chargers and has been a top target for Justin Herbert and Phillip Rivers for years and has not missed a beat with his transition to New England. Jonnu Smith came in from the Tennessee Titans after having a breakout season, known as a blocking tight end, Smith put up eight touchdowns last year and became an end zone threat. While struggling with drops early in the season, Jonnu has come into his own and has been an amazing option for Mac, with 52 yards against the Jets last week. Finally, one of the sneaky additions to the Patriots, Kendrick Bourne came over from the 49ers and has had some big plays this year. Bourne seems to make big catches especially on third downs and has turned many broken routes into positive yards for the Patriots. The extremely athletic wide receiver has been a stud for the young Patriots offense. 



 Defense wise, there are too many young players to break down. Chase Winovich, J.C. Jackson, Kyle Dugger, and Josh Uche are young studs that continue to make plays next to some very good veteran defenders. The Patriots will continue to do the Patriot way adding players on defense such as the Kyle Van Noys and Devin McCourteys that will not be stars, but will serve their jobs like those big names. 


 While their record may not be what Patriots fans want, or are used to, but will continue to get better. The Patriots have not hit the rebuild button, signing veteran free agents last offseason to big deals and are looking to win now as their young stars continue to progress. 


Location: Boston, MA, USA

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