Patriots chance of making playoffs.

If you thought Bill Belichick was going to keep letting the Patriots derail after Tom Brady abandoned ship, you can think again. Bill Belichick and the Patriots this offseason have been aggressive and have signed 11 players, with the majority of them that can make an impact.

Cam Newton was the first key signing. I believe this highlighted that the Patriots did not have any talent at the wide receiver or tight end spot.

So he brought in Hunter Henry and Jonnu Smith who are arguably top prospects for their position. He also brought in two capable receivers in Nelson Agholor and Kendrick Bourne, who are solid wideouts, and upgrades from the ones they had on the roster last year.

Belichick also signed two solid defenders in linebacker Matt Judon and defensive back Jalen Mills.

All of these players are solid B grade players, but we know that under Belichick’s coaching they will turn into A caliber players.

With the 2021 schedule being out for the Patriots, we look at their upcoming schedule. At home the patriots will face: The Buffalo Bills, Miami Dolphins, New York Jets, Jacksonville Jaguars, Tennessee Titans, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, New Orleans Saints, Cleveland Browns.

Away the Patriots will face: The Buffalo Bills, Miami Dolphins, New York Jets, Indianapolis Colts, Houston Texans, Atlanta Falcons, Carolina Panthers, Los Angeles Chargers. Looking at this schedule, I believe the Patriots could have a 10-6 or 11-5 record.

It may sound crazy, but four of their losses last year came down to the last possession. I think with these free agents this year they can close the gap. Coach Belichick always has a top 10 defense that will keep them in games, so all of their games will be in reach, they now have the weapons to overcome their shortcomings next year.

Do I think the Patriots will be a super bowl team? No. But, what I do see is a rebuilding Jets team in their division, Miami Dolphins who are unsure at quarterback, and also the Buffalo Bills who are the only sure playoff lock-in that division.

Outside of the AFC East, the Jaguars are rebuilding as well, the titans still have questions on the defensive side of the football. New Orleans has lost a lot of free agents and is unsure at quarterback.

The Texans are rebuilding and so are the falcons and panthers. Now I know a couple of these scenarios can change, but we will just have to wait for the 2021 season.