NFL 2016: Regular season grades for every team
By John Buhler
Like clockwork, the New England Patriots won its eighth straight AFC East division title and has earned a first-round bye in the playoffs. Anything less than a sixth straight AFC Championship Game appearance would be a massive disappointment for this juggernaut football game.
The results were the same as they have ever been, but how did the Patriots get here? New England had an outstanding campaign for several reasons. First, the Patriots went 3-1 in the first four games of the DeflateGate Suspension that kept NFL MVP candidate Tom Brady sidelined in September. New England know that Jimmy Garoppolo is a future franchise quarterback in the NFL and that third-stringer Jacoby Brissett is at least serviceable as an NFL backup.
The Patriots offensive line was drastically improved over how bad it was a year ago. New England’s defense had its issues, but found itself to some degree in the second half. LeGarrette Blount was a bruiser in the backfield and tight end Martellus Bennett transitioned seamlessly into the New England offense.
Overall, this is not the best Bill Belichick team the Patriots have ever had. Not having tight end Rob Gronkowski available or having the utmost confidence in kicker Stephen Gostkowski doesn’t help come playoff time. However, New England had a great 2016 regular season and is the AFC’s best chance at hoisting the Lombardi Trophy this February in Houston.