5 Biggest Red Flags Heading Into New England Patriots' 2015 NFL Training Camp

5 Biggest Red Flags Heading Into New England Patriots' 2015 NFL Training Camp

By Matt Caminiti

July 14, 2015

The Patriots' Biggest Red Flags Before Training Camp

Jimmy Garoppolo Patriots — The New England Patriots are coming off an impressive Super Bowl 49 win, but do they have what it takes to make another run at being crowned NFL champions? It's certainly going to be an interesting road, and it all starts with training camp, where the Patriots will look to address their biggest issues and prepare for another playoff push.

The New England Patriots are coming off an impressive Super Bowl 49 win, but do they have what it takes to make another run at being crowned NFL champions? It's certainly going to be an interesting road, and it all starts with training camp, where the Patriots will look to address their biggest issues and prepare for another playoff push.

5. Who Will Make an Impact in the Secondary?

NFL: Super Bowl XLIX-New England Patriots vs Seattle Seahawks

5. Who Will Make an Impact in the Secondary?

NFL: Super Bowl XLIX-New England Patriots vs Seattle Seahawks — The New England Patriots’ secondary has undergone a major overhaul this offeason with Darrelle Revis and Brandon Browner departing for richer contracts with the New York Jets and New Orleans Saints, respectively. Revis was an All-Pro last season while Browner was the physical presence New England needed after years of subpar corner play. Can the Patriots mitigate the losses of the best corners on the team from last season?

The New England Patriots’ secondary has undergone a major overhaul this offeason with Darrelle Revis and Brandon Browner departing for richer contracts with the New York Jets and New Orleans Saints, respectively. Revis was an All-Pro last season while Browner was the physical presence New England needed after years of subpar corner play. Can the Patriots mitigate the losses of the best corners on the team from last season?

4. Who Will Fill the Void at Defensive Tackle?

NFL: Super Bowl XLIX-New England Patriots vs Seattle Seahawks

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4. Who Will Fill the Void at Defensive Tackle?

NFL: Super Bowl XLIX-New England Patriots vs Seattle Seahawks — The Patriots’ have had a run-stuffing, interior pass-rushing monster for the last decade, but this is no longer the case. Vince Wilfork left New England in order to join the Houston Texans which creates a large hole on the Patriots' D-Line, literally and figuratively. Not only will Wilfork’s skill set be sorely missed, but his leadership and toughness will be as well. The Patriots need Dominique Easley to fill the void left by Wilfork.

The Patriots’ have had a run-stuffing, interior pass-rushing monster for the last decade, but this is no longer the case. Vince Wilfork left New England in order to join the Houston Texans which creates a large hole on the Patriots' D-Line, literally and figuratively. Not only will Wilfork’s skill set be sorely missed, but his leadership and toughness will be as well. The Patriots need Dominique Easley to fill the void left by Wilfork.

3. What Will Happen With the Running Back Rotation?

AFC Championship - Indianapolis Colts v New England Patriots

3. What Will Happen With the Running Back Rotation?

AFC Championship - Indianapolis Colts v New England Patriots — The Patriots have often had a plug and play system in regards to the running back position. However, this will be the first year that Shane Vereen and Stevan Ridley will not be the starting tandem of running backs for the Patriots since both being drafted in 2011. Both backs complemented each other extremely well, and the returning backs in LeGarratte Blount and Jonas Gray are one-trick ponies. The Patriots need more pass-catching backs.

The Patriots have often had a plug and play system in regards to the running back position. However, this will be the first year that Shane Vereen and Stevan Ridley will not be the starting tandem of running backs for the Patriots since both being drafted in 2011. Both backs complemented each other extremely well, and the returning backs in LeGarratte Blount and Jonas Gray are one-trick ponies. The Patriots need more pass-catching backs.

2. How Will the Linebackers Play Coming Off Injuries?

Jamie Collins New England Patriots

2. How Will the Linebackers Play Coming Off Injuries?

Jamie Collins New England Patriots — Jamie Collins, Jerod Mayo and Donta Hightower each have the skills to realistically compete for the best linebacker corps in the NFL. However, significant injuries to Mayo (patella) and Hightower (shoulder labrum) will make it harder to start the season in ideal playing shape. All three linebackers boast a unique set of skills and Collins can be a definite playmaker, yet he is the most inconsistent. A rotation would be advantageous for each.

Jamie Collins, Jerod Mayo and Donta Hightower each have the skills to realistically compete for the best linebacker corps in the NFL. However, significant injuries to Mayo (patella) and Hightower (shoulder labrum) will make it harder to start the season in ideal playing shape. All three linebackers boast a unique set of skills and Collins can be a definite playmaker, yet he is the most inconsistent. A rotation would be advantageous for each.

1. How Will They Fare Without Tom Brady?

Patriots backup QB Jimmy Garappolo

1. How Will They Fare Without Tom Brady?

Patriots backup QB Jimmy Garappolo — Patriots nation must accept the reality that quarterback Tom Brady will miss games to begin the 2015 season. The argument can be made that Brady will not be missed considering the Patriots' 11-5 record for the 2008 season without Brady's services. However, 2015 is finally looking like the year where AFC East teams are trying to keep up with the defending Super Bowl champs. Early games may be a deciding factor in crowning the division champ.

Patriots nation must accept the reality that quarterback Tom Brady will miss games to begin the 2015 season. The argument can be made that Brady will not be missed considering the Patriots' 11-5 record for the 2008 season without Brady's services. However, 2015 is finally looking like the year where AFC East teams are trying to keep up with the defending Super Bowl champs. Early games may be a deciding factor in crowning the division champ.

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