By: Eric Gould ’19 and Domenic Casparriello ’19

Thank goodness, it is finally football season, and the Patriots are looking forward to another successful season in Foxborough.

Over the summer, New England made some big improvements, but also took some hits and lost key players that have helped them to be so successful over the years.

Let’s focus on the positive first, as the Patriots have made some hefty trades and signings that will certainly make a difference on both sides of the ball for New England this year.

First, cornerback Jason McCourty and a 7th round pick were acquired from the Cleveland Browns in exchange for a 6th round pick. The addition reunited veteran safety Devin McCourty, who has played with the Patriots since 2010, with his twin brother.

The Patriots also made some eye-catching draft choices in the NFL draft. In the 1st round, the Pats decided to take OL Isaiah Wynn and RB Sony Michel, college teammates out of the University of Georgia.

This need for improvement along the offensive line was made very apparent during Super Bowl LII. Tom Brady simply could not breathe with a heavy pass rush coming at him. Unfortunately, Wynn suffered a torn achilles during a preseason game and will be out for the year.

Noticeable re-signings in the offseason included RB Rex Burkhead, DB Nate Ebner, LB Marquis Flowers, and DB Brandon King.

Running backs Sony Michel and Rex Burkhead should end up leading the running game for New England throughout the 2018-2019 season.

In recent news, the Patriots have traded for WR Josh Gordon from the Cleveland Browns in exchange for a 7th round pick. Despite the drama surrounding Gordon due to his use of illegal substances, he is a very talented receiver that will give Brady another weapon to target.

Along with all of these re-signings and trades, some very important players departed from New England this summer:

1. WR Danny Amendola signed with the Dolphins.
2. CB Malcolm Butler signed with the Titans.
3. RB Dion Lewis signed with the Titans.
4. WR Brandin Cooks was traded to the Rams in exchange for 2 picks, a 1st and 6th rounder.
5. OT Nate Solder signed with the Giants.

The offensive side of the ball will definitely take a hit, losing 3 starting offensive players. However, they have brought in talented players that could make up for the damage that was done. On the defensive side, cornerback Malcolm Butler signing with the Titans could linger as a noticeable loss as the season moves along.

Probably the biggest loss of the offseason, defensive coordinator Matt Patricia signed on with the Detroit Lions to serve as their Head Coach. In the first couple of weeks of action, the defense has been evidently worse than last year. In week three, Patricia simply out-coached Belichick in a matchup between his Lions and the Patriots.

Even with the rough 1-2 start, and along with all these moves that were made in the offseason, the Patriots are bound to have yet another successful season with legendary QB Tom Brady at the helm.