The Patriots’ first foray into a world without Tom Brady was memorable to say the least, but major reinforcements are on the way in 2021.
New England is poised to welcome back three major players who chose to leave the 2020 season due to the COVID-19 pandemic – linebacker Dont’a Hightower, safety Patrick Chung and striker Marcus Cannon – NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported: by sources informed of the situation. Everyone is physically well, added Rapoport.
There is no way to forget the fact that the Patriots lost all three players mentioned.
Without them, the Patriots finished 27th in yards per game and points scored per game, and 15th in yards allowed per game in 2020. The only encouraging marks came in points allowed per game, where the Patriots ended up seventh in the league, and yard runs won by dispute, a statistic supported by quarterback Cam Newton’s ability to pick yards on the ground.
New England played the 2020 season without its defensive leader in Hightower and a major backend contributor in Chung, and lost its direct tackle in Cannon. While the Patriots have yet to figure out what they will do as a defender, they will be at least stronger in other key positions as they try to recover from a disappointing 7-9 score in 2020.
New England led the NFL with eight opt-outs ahead of the 2020 season.