Fansided

Breaking down the top 10 Super Bowl contenders

By Russell S. Baxter

(Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
(Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /
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FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – JANUARY 04: Sony Michel #26 of the New England Patriots carries the ball as they take on the Tennessee Titans in the first half of the AFC Wild Card Playoff game at Gillette Stadium on January 04, 2020 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – JANUARY 04: Sony Michel #26 of the New England Patriots carries the ball as they take on the Tennessee Titans in the first half of the AFC Wild Card Playoff game at Gillette Stadium on January 04, 2020 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /

9. New England Patriots

Offense: Despite the recent addition of former NFL MVP Cam Newton, there are still some questions surrounding this offense. While quarterback Tom Brady is now a member of the Buccaneers, the latest retirement of offensive line coach Dante Scarnecchia could be just as big a blow. The ground game needs to bounce back in a big way.

Defense: This past season, New England allowed the fewest points and the fewest total yards in the league. But all was not right by season’s end as the club was exposed when it came to stopping the run. The back end of this unit is formidable with 2019 NFL Defensive Player of the Year Stephon Gilmore and veteran safety Devin McCourty.

Coaching: Only Hall of Fame legends Don Shula and George Halas have won more games as NFL head coaches than Bill Belichick. The Pats have won 11 straight AFC East titles and been to nine Super Bowls under his command. He’s also proven that he can win in various ways and that included minus Brady. But he will be tested this season.

X-Factor: It could be a matter of who is still with the team this year. Via Mike Reiss of ESPN, Dont’a Hightower and Patrick Chung are among the veterans who opted out of 2020. Add in the massive amount of free agency losses and there’s a lot to digest here. Regardless, those 19 consecutive winning seasons are certainly hard to ignore.

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