New England Patriots

Franchise Mode Strategy Overall Team Rating: 87 Offense: 87 Defense: 91 Offensive Scheme: Balanced Offense Defensive Scheme: Hybrid Defense Strengths: QB, MLB, TE Weaknesses: LG, RG, LE 2015 Team Rankings 1st AFC East (12-4-0) Passing Offense: 5th Rushing Offense: 30th Passing Defense: 17th Rushing Defense: 9th 2015 Team Leaders Passing: Tom Brady: 4,770 Rushing: LaGarrette Blount 703 Receiving: Rob Gronkowski: 1,176 Tackles: Logan Ryan: 74 Sacks: Chandler Jones: 12.5 INTS: Logan Ryan: 4 Key Additions MLB Jamie Collins TE Marellus Bennett Key Rookies CB Cyrus Jones LG Joe Thuney QB Jacoby Brissett Coach Griffin Murphy Level: 1 Offensive Scheme: Balanced Offense Defensive Scheme: Hybrid Defense

Offensive Scouting Report

• The Patriots will be in the hunt for a Super Bowl every year that Tom Brady is the starting QB. Start looking to Jimmy Garoppolo, who will be the heir apparent once Brady decides to hang them up and head to Canton.
• The Patriots have what seems like a patchwork backfield, but all the players are there for a specific reason. Know how to get the most from them. Use Dion Lewis as a third down back in the passing game while having Blount as your downhill runner. You never know who is going to have the next big game.
• The Patriots’ receiving corps really came on strong during their Super Bowl run. WR Julian Edelman proved he is a special talent, while Chris Hogan and Danny Amendola also contributed. Keep Gronk safe over the middle with conservative catches from time to time, as he is the key to the offense.

Defensive Scouting Report

• LE Chris Long is the star of the defensive line, but Rob Ninkovich’s ability to line up anywhere is what really makes this hybrid front possible.
• The Patriots took a few drafts to build their LB corps, and it’s now one of the most versatile in football. MLB Jamie Collins is an athletic force who can play coverage or rush the passer at a high level.
• The Patriots’ secondary was one of the best in football last season, but now it’s time for the young talent to step up. The good news is that veteran leader Devin McCourty is still the anchor, and they have promising young talent like Super Bowl hero Malcolm Butler.

SCHEDULE

Key Players

• Gronk will be able to run over most defenders in the secondary with an 88 Trucking rating.
• Gronk is a very solid run blocker, so keep developing him there if you plan to pound the rock.

• The combination of speed, zone coverage, and play recognition separates McCourty from almost every other safety in the game.
• Spend any extra XP on boosts to strength and tackling; everything else is already up to par.

• Don’t let his overall score fool you, Jones is filled with both man and zone coverage talent. With a Pursuit rating of 78 he’s great at forcing the other team to earn their yards.
• Jones is rather balanced, so don’t be afraid to play him in any of the CB slots.

• Bolden had a fine season last year, and he may be the number three back this season. Consider giving him the chance to show you he is still worthy of being higher on the list.
• Because of a Carrying rating of 85, holding onto the ball shouldn’t be an issue.

Offensive Depth Chart

Defensive Depth Chart

Special Teams

Best Offensive Plays

best RUN: Singleback Ace Overload – HB Stretch

Running Plays

best PASS: Singleback Tight Slots – PA Panther Post

passing Plays

Best Defensive Plays

Best RUN D: 34 Odd – Pinch Mike 0

Run Defense

Best PASS D: 34 Odd – Cover 2 Hard Flat

Pass Defense