Gio DiFazio

CNMS Major

The following week after the AFC Championship, a lingering feeling emanated inside me that reminded me of how I felt after my childhood dog died.

With the exception of the offensive line, this Patriots team has proven that from top to bottom, they have all the necessary pieces to take a stab at Super Bowl 51. Their seasoned group of offensive threats were able to establish their tempo early on, and an emerging defense came together. This team is right where it needs to be, and I can’t imagine too many major moves are executed this off-season.

Jerod Mayo was drafted in 2008 and has spent all his time in the NFL wearing the sliver and blue. The dynamic linebacker has been a staple on this Patriots team for years, attending 2 Pro Bowls, and was a First-Team All-Pro in 2010. He’s a Super Bowl Champion, and has recorded 803 tackles since his birth into the league. Injuries have plagued him as of recent, and the young duo of Hightower and Collins have quickly affirmed their place in the front seven. Mayo will walk away from the game, as a decorated 29 year old vet.

Without a single doubt, the Patriots biggest hole to fill is at offensive line. After the 2013 season we saw the departure of Dante Scarnecchia. Scarnecchia was a staple in the Patriots organization since the 1980’s, with 15 years as the offensive line coach. Dave DeGuglielmo had the arduous task of filling the void that was left by Scarnecchia. DeGuglielmo’s work was less than exceptional, giving up 38 sacks, with Brady getting hit a staggering 97 times this past season.

Scarnecchia has come out of retirement to take the reins of the offensive line, and his return has revived our faith in this group up front.

DeGugliemo’s unit was riddled with injuries, and their youth proved to be evident in the AFC Championship game. Brady found his face in the dirt 20 times, and was sacked for a loss four times, with Von Miller having 2.5 himself coupled with an interception. This game was the rotten cherry on top for the group of offensive linemen, having struggled to protect their quarterback all year.

Keeping Marcus Cannon next year will cost the Patriots 4.7 million against the cap. It’s hard to believe they can’t find a better player in free agency if the need arises, considering Cannon looked like a revolving door when he was tasked with blocking quality edge rushers.

Shaq Mason and Tre Jackson were both evaluated by Scarnecchia prior to the 2015 draft. The two rookies struggled at times this year, and were very inconsistent. Look at Malcom Butler, if one of these young players can play to the expected level, this offensive line will become a well-rounded, dominant force given they remain healthy.

The Patriots backfield will be another question mark. Dion Lewis is coming off of an ACL tear and it is likely he will never be the same electric player we saw for the first part of the season. Blount’s role has diminished over time, and his contract expires. I assume New England moves in a different direction, since his production has steadily declined. James White and Brandon Bolden should return, but neither back can play on every down, or get the dirty yards inside with consistency.

Brandon Lafell and Danny Amendola may not find themselves in New England. Amendola has been an irreplaceable part of this offense, but his salary does not equate to his production. Lafell has had countless chances to become an integral part of the offense, but has been plagued with dropping passes all year. The odds of both players returning to me are slim, and if I had to pick one for the chopping block, I could easily part ways with Lafell.

Malcolm Butler, Logan Ryan, Rob Ninkovich, Chandler Jones, Jabaal Sheard, Dont’a Hightower, and Jamie Collins are the seven best players on this defense. All of their contracts run out after this upcoming season. Butler, Hightower, Collins, and Jones will have the ability to demand huge money after next season, and New England must prioritize to keep them from being able to test the free agent market. Chances are good they could walk if they do test the market, since teams would be willing to overpay for such young talent.

To me, nothing feels better than giving Rodger Goodell and any Patriots hater, the double freedom birds. This team has been under a magnifying glass, the entire nation labeling them as cheaters. From “Spygate,” to Goodell’s smear campaign that became widely known as “Deflategate.” This Patriots team has proven they don’t have to cheat to remain one step ahead. With Tom Under center and Coach Belichick under the hoodie, it’s hard to imagine this team not making a deep playoff run.