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NFL training camp 2015: Priming all 32 teams

By Matt Verderame

Dec 28, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Philadelphia Eagles head coach Chip Kelly before the game against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 28, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Philadelphia Eagles head coach Chip Kelly before the game against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 1, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; New England Patriots team owner Robert Kraft (left) and quarterback Tom Brady (right) speak at the trophy presentation after the game against the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl XLIX at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Patriots defeated the Seahawks 28-24. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 1, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; New England Patriots team owner Robert Kraft (left) and quarterback Tom Brady (right) speak at the trophy presentation after the game against the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl XLIX at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Patriots defeated the Seahawks 28-24. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /

Overview

The New England Patriots are coming into the season with a litany of question marks. Tom Brady is currently suspended for the first four games of the season for his role in DeflateGate, but he is appealing. There is a chance he is suspended for only a couple games, or none at all.

Additionally, free agency took its toll on the Super Bowl champs. Both Darrelle Revis and Brandon Browner left for more money, putting New England in a serious bind. Bradley Fletcher was signed away from the Philadelphia Eagles, but he endured plenty of struggles throughout his tenure there. The Patriots also released nose tackle Vince Wilfork and inside linebacker Brandon Spikes.

Major battle

With veteran Dan Connolly retiring, the Patriots have serious competition at both guard spots. Ryan Wendell has been in the system for years and could have the leg up on one position, while rookie Tre Jackson has the potential to take the other. Shaq Mason is another rookie who could make inroads after being taken in the fourth round out of Georgia Tech.

Expectations

This is New England, so the expectations are always through the roof. The Patriots can withstand Brady being out for the first four games, because they are capable of winning 10 or 11 of their last 12 with him at the controls. The defense may not be as good, but the offense will continue to score at a high rate. Winning the Super Bowl isn’t likely (no team has repeated since 2004 … the Patriots) but it remains the aim.

Next: Buffalo Bills

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