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New England Patriots 2021 Schedule: 5 must-win games

By Cole Thompson

FOXBOROUGH, MA - JANUARY 03: Jonathan Jones #31 of the New England Patriots reacts with his teammate softer making an interception in the fourth quarter of a game against the New York Jets at Gillette Stadium on January 3, 2021 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)
FOXBOROUGH, MA - JANUARY 03: Jonathan Jones #31 of the New England Patriots reacts with his teammate softer making an interception in the fourth quarter of a game against the New York Jets at Gillette Stadium on January 3, 2021 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images) /
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FOXBOROUGH, MA – JANUARY 03: Chase Winovich #50 of the New England Patriots rushes against the New York Jets at Gillette Stadium on January 3, 2021 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Al Pereira/Getty Images)
FOXBOROUGH, MA – JANUARY 03: Chase Winovich #50 of the New England Patriots rushes against the New York Jets at Gillette Stadium on January 3, 2021 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Al Pereira/Getty Images) /

In 2021, the New England Patriots could finally get their revenge against the one player they loved most 

Just because it’s a new era for the New England Patriots doesn’t mean it has to be a losing one. Bill Belichick finished below .500 for the first time since his first year in Foxborough after trusting Cam Newton to be the heir apparent to Tom Brady.

They finished 7-9. Instead of following “the Patriot way”, Belichick elected to be a little bit more aggressive in free agency.

New England upgraded at wide receiver and tight end — two massive areas of concern last season for the offense. They also added competition under center with the selection of Mac Jones in the 2021 NFL Draft. Of the eight opt outs from last year, the key star will be returning for 2021.

All and all, New England isn’t that far-fetched from remaining a playoff contender. However, these five games are deal-breakers should they hope to return to January football.

5 must-win games for the New England Patriots

New York Jets. player. 5. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. AFC East. . 30

Looking roster to roster, the Jets are still in a rebuilding mode while New England at least has the tools to be productive for the next few seasons. Still, everyone wants to beat the division rival so they can stay ahead in the points.

Both teams have future gunslingers in the building with BYU’s Zach Wilson landing No. 2 and Jones going at No. 15. Wilson is one of those acrobatics throwers that does well when on the run while Jones is more of your prototypical quarterback.

Is one style better than the other or is it based off the coaching skills?

Much like Belichick was two decades ago, Robert Saleh is showing why defensive coaches might be great leaders.  During his time with the San Francisco 49ers, not only did he command respect from his players, but he got the best results with lesser talent.

The good news for New England is that the defense also looks to be improved with Kyle Van Noy, Matt Judon and the return of Dont’a Hightower.

New England is looking to prove they’re still a front-runner in the division. The Jets some more so hoping to prove they’re not picking in the top five next April. All and all, this more about pride for the Patriots than anything else.

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