NFL Insider: Patriots Least Talented Team in AFC East; Players in Top 100?
Bill Belichick may be a Hall-of-Fame jockey. But he may no longer have the horses.
In CBS' annual list of the NFL's Top 100 players, the New England Patriots have just one representative - pass-rusher Matthew Judon at No. 99. It's not surprising, given that he was also their lone player to make the 2022 Pro Bowl during a disappointing 8-9 season. It was New England's fewest players to make the Pro Bowl since 2000.
And one - barely - star in a division that boasts a sparkling constellation of Top 100 players seems an unfair fight.
In CBS' rankings the Miami Dolphins placed five players led by receiver Tyreek Hill (12) and Jalen Ramsey (14). The Buffalo Bills have four, including No. 2 overall Josh Allen. And the New York Jets boast four, highlighted by cornerback Sauce Gardner (15) and new quarterback Aaron Rodgers (29).
Bottom line: The Patriots enter training camp next month without an offensive player ranked in the Top 100, while each of its AFC East foes have either a quarterback, a receiver or both.
Says CBS of the Pats' lone player:
99. Matthew Judon - "He had a career-high 15.5 sacks last season, one of the true bright spots on the Pats roster. He has 28 total sacks the past two seasons."
The Patriots hope to improve this season via the addition of offensive coordinator Bill O'Brien. A new, improved - dare we say, coherent? - system should benefit the likes of quarterback Mac Jones and new weapons JuJu Smith-Schuster and Mike Gesicki.
Still, no away around the fact that Belichick's team is the least talented in the division.
Overall on CBS' list, last year's No. 1 Aaron Donald slips to No. 9 after an injury-plague season for the Rams while Chiefs' quarterback Patrick Mahomes take the top overall spot.
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