We've all heard the Pats have the easiest in the NFL this year (AFCN & NFCE as opponents -
http://www.footballperspective.com/...d-front-and-back-loaded-schedules/#more-42418).
The problem for the Pats is the toughest games are in the first half of the year when the Pats are still getting coached up to speed. Will our D's starting point this year be closer to where it finished last year or where it began last year? I don't have the answer since losing Trey Flowers is significant. I do have some thoughts about it, however.
The impact players the Pats added to the defense in the offseason include:
Ja'Whuan Bentley
Mike Pennell
Michael Bennett
Jamie Collins
Bentley spent the last year studying the system so he should be fine early.
Pennell plays DT which is a relatively easy position to learn plus he's a vet so he should catch on quickly.
Bennett is an older veteran so he should be fine from day 1.
Collins has been in the system before & had his problems. The coaches should know early how they think he'll perform this year. BB won't play him unless he's confident Collins will do his job.
Defensively, the Pats should be ready to roll from day 1, imo.
From an offensive perspective, losing Gronk hurts, of course, but Brady & McD have won plenty of big games without Gronk. Edelman isn't suspended & that helps. Edelman, Dorsett and White give Brady options until the big WRs BB & McD added get up to speed. Brady should have plenty of tools for the O to succeed even if it takes a few games to reach its full potential.
Overall, and IMHO, the Pats should be prepared to come out looking much better early in the season than in recent years.
