Fansided

Each NFL team’s biggest reason to be excited in 2018

By Brad Berreman

BEREA, OH - JULY 30: Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Cleveland Browns throws a pass during a training camp practice on July 30, 2018 at the Cleveland Browns training facility in Berea, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Diamond Images/Getty Images)
BEREA, OH - JULY 30: Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Cleveland Browns throws a pass during a training camp practice on July 30, 2018 at the Cleveland Browns training facility in Berea, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Diamond Images/Getty Images) /
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Mandatory Credit: Jim Davis-The Boston Globe/Getty Images
Mandatory Credit: Jim Davis-The Boston Globe/Getty Images /

New England Patriots – A well-oiled Brady/Belichick machine

There are some rumored cracks in the foundation, rooted in trainer Alex Guerrero’s involvement with players beyond Tom Brady and last year’s trade of Jimmy Garoppolo. But until further notice, the Patriots are at the top of the heap as a Super Bowl contender year and year out.

Rooting for a team that’s so good every year probably gets boring for Patriots’ fans at a certain point. Even in a season Brady missed almost all of with a torn ACL (2008), New England won 11 games and hardly fell off the rails despite missing the playoffs. But there’s also comfort, internally and surely externally among fans, in having a good idea where your favorite team will be each season. For Patriots’ fans, that’s a division title at least one home playoff game on the low end of expectations.

Bill Belichick has rarely been wrong on personnel decisions, which is why the trade of Garoppolo to the 49ers for what was seen as below market value reeks of outside influence as much as it does.

The end could come as soon as after this year for Brady and/or Belichick, particularly if the Patriots win the Super Bowl. But having the most accomplished coach-quarterback duo in league history in place is still the No. 1 reason for excitement in Foxboro for 2018.

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