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5 Things New England Patriots Must Improve Over 2015 Offseason

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5 Things New England Patriots Must Improve Over 2015 Offseason

Tom Brady Patriots
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The New England Patriots returned to the top of the AFC in 2014, but like every other team, there are some areas with room to improve. If Bill Belichick's team wants to make it back to the Super Bowl in 2015, here are five things the New England Patriots must improve over the 2015 offseason.

5. Another Reliable Wide Receiver

Julian Edelman
Stew Milne-USA TODAY Sports

5. Another Reliable Wide Receiver

Julian Edelman
Stew Milne-USA TODAY Sports

Outside of Julian Edelman and tight end Rob Gronkowski, Tom Brady does not have another receiver he can count on week in and week out. Brandon LaFell developed as the season progressed and had a solid year. Either LaFell needs to take the next step or the Patriots have to find Brady another big weapon.

4. Eliminating Big Passing Plays on Defense

darrelle revis new england patriots
Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports

4. Eliminating Big Passing Plays on Defense

darrelle revis new england patriots
Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports

New England’s defense was good in 2014, but one area where they were vulnerable was on deep passing plays. The Patriots allowed 62 passing plays of 20-plus yards, a number that was tied for the third-highest in the NFL.

3. Discipline

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3. Discipline

NFL flag
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The AFC Champions were penalized far too often in 2014 and that has to change next season. New England must be more disciplined, as their 120 penalties were the fourth-highest in the league.

2. Vertical Passing Game

Brandon LaFell
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2. Vertical Passing Game

Brandon LaFell
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The days of Randy Moss making acrobatic and unbelievable catches 50-plus yards down the field for the Patriots are over. Julian Edelman is much more of a possession type of receiver and while Brandon LaFell is an emerging deep threat, Brady did not have a receiver he could rely on to throw the ball up and expect a receiver to come down with the catch. New England’s eight passing plays of 40-plus yards tied for 19th in the NFL.

1. Ground Game

LeGarrette Blount
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1. Ground Game

LeGarrette Blount
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Luckily for New England, Tom Brady is able to win several games solely with his arm, but we’ve learned in recent years that if you want to win a Super Bowl, you need to have a reliable rushing attack. In 2014, the Patriots averaged a mere 3.9 yards per carry, which ranked tied for 22nd in the NFL.

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