5 bold predictions for New England Patriots in 2020

FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS - NOVEMBER 24: Devin McCourty #32 of the New England Patriots reacts with teammates during the second half against the Dallas Cowboys in the game at Gillette Stadium on November 24, 2019 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Billie Weiss/Getty Images) /

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PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – NOVEMBER 17: Chase Winovich #50 of the New England Patriots warms up before the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on November 17, 2019 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /

3. Chase Winovich will notch eight sacks

Brady wasn’t the only key departure the Patriots will feel the brunt of this offseason. Both Jamie Collins and Kyle Van Noy also left town via free agency. Those two players happened to lead the team in sacks last season.

Their departure puts second-year edge rusher Chase Winovich in a great position to see his snap count increase dramatically. He may not be the world’s best run defender, but his motor on the edge gives him a chance to harass the quarterback over and over again throughout the course of a game.

The key for the Patriots defense will be to make sure they’re able to force the opposition into obvious passing downs. If the defensive front can manage that, the back end of the defense should be in position to make a lot of big plays.

Given Belichick’s general aversion to spending big time assets on edge rushers, Winovich looks to be the top returner on the roster. He’ll need to take a massive step forward from an erratic rookie campaign, but his work ethic gives him a high floor. Look for him to lead the team in sacks with at least eight.

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