Patriots look toward future after regressing post-Brady exit

New England Patriots entered 2020 season staring at an uncertain future. y ended it same way.

In ir first season following Tom Brady’s departure in free ncy to Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Patriots regressed t just on offense, but across board.

New England (7-9) finished out of top spot in AFC East for first time in 11 seasons and with a losing record for first time since Bill Belichick’s inaugural season in 2000.

decision made by key players to opt out of season because of concerns about COVID-19 certainly contributed, but dramatic drop-off after losing Brady underscored air of invincibility that surrounded a franchise that had been among AFC's elite for two decades.

Wher this was a speed bump, or start of a wholesale rebuild is still to be determined as Belichick and his staff attempt to address many of same issues y faced a year ago.

In some ways holes y had on ir roster were result of how aggressive y were over previous several years, Belichick said.

“Honestly, I don’t kw how we could be any more aggressive than we were for last five years — I’m talking about ’14 to '18 period. I’ll throw last year in re, too," he said. "re’s a residual to that.”

A lot of spotlight this offseason will again be on quarterback position.

In what will likely be his lone season in New England, Cam Newton struggled as Brady’s successor.

He ended season on a high te against woeful New York Jets . But after throwing for just eight touchdowns and 10 interceptions in his first season in offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels’ system, at 31 it’s improbable Patriots would offer him kind of contract he’ll seek after he played under a one-year, $1.75 million deal in 2020.

Still, Newton called this season “a blessing” and said he achieved his goal of ending season healthy following shoulder and foot surgeries that contributed to him being released by Carolina Panrs.

“I think that was one of most frustrating things for me, was that I was healthy but still t getting results that I was yearning for,” Newton said.

“Through it all, my shoulder held up, foot held up, mental held up. I had nicks and bruises, but who doesn’t have any nicks and bruises in NFL? thing lingering eugh to stop me. I’m going to take that as a blessing and do it in offseason.”

Belichick said he doesn’t have a timeframe on when he’ll decide on what direction he'll take at quarterback.

“We’ll just look at everything in offseason,” he said. “We’ll take a full evaluation of all things that we do and have done and look forward and I’m sure, as we do every year, we’ll want to modify some things.”

STIDHAM’S FUTURE

One direction Patriots could turn to at quarterback is Jarrett Stidham, who served as Newton’s backup and prior to his signing was on track to be starter.

However in two seasons he’s yet to make a start and has appeared in just eight games, going 24 for 48 for 270 yards with two touchdowns and four interceptions — mostly in mop-up time.

At times he’s shown flashes of being able to move offense down field. And entering his third season he has a salary cap-friendly deal that could factor into Belichick’s decision-making.

HOT COMMODITIES

Belichick could have several jobs to fill on his staff as well.

Panrs have asked to interview director of player personnel Nick Caserio and ors are expected to do so as well. In addition, McDaniels has previously stated a desire to be a head coach again and he will likely interview for jobs.

Losing eir of m will certainly influence how Belichick builds his 2021 roster.

FREE NCY

Along with Newton, center David Andrews, left tackle Joe Thuney, running backs James White and Rex Burkhead, cornerback Jason McCourty, and defensive linemen Lawrence Guy and Adam Butler are all unrestricted free nts.

Cornerback J.C. Jackson, who led team with nine interceptions, also is a restricted free nt.

Thuney played under a $14.78 million franchise tag in 2020 and expected to garner interest on open market.

New England enters offseason with about $20 million in cap , so keeping everyone won’t be possible.

HANGING IT UP?

Special teams captain Matt Slater is t only longest-tenured player on New England’s roster, he also has been one of team’s emotional leaders during his 13 seasons.

He is entering final year of his current two-year deal and at 35 years old two-time All-Pro and nine-time Pro Bowl selection may choose to retire.

“I think w I’m at a point in my career where I don’t kw how much football I’ve got left. … w, obviously, I’m on back nine,” he said. “I’m gonna take some time. ... I think I’m just gonna be praying about it and see how that goes going forward.”

Im credits: AP