Connected Franchise Mode Strategy

CFM Team Rating: 82

Offensive Scheme: Spread

Defensive Scheme: Hybrid Multiple Front

Strengths: QB, TE, LG, RT, DT, ROLB, FS, SS

Weaknesses: WR, CB

QB Tom Brady has a contract that will last until he’s 40 years of age. That’s five more years the Patriots have with this future hall of famer. The window is closing on the Brady era, so do everything you can to surround him with winning talent.
The Patriots backfield has the most depth in the entire NFL. There are five HBs who could start for this team. The question is, who is the best long-term player? We think the future is brightest for HBs Stevan Ridley and Shane Vereen. Upgrade both these players during the off-season.
TE Rob Gronkowski is arguably the best TE in the game today. His kryptonite right now is the injury bug. His 77 INJ rating is a cause for concern. Monitor his injuries closely and be prepared to make a drastic move if necessary.

RE Chandler Jones started his rookie season hot out of the gates. Injuries kept him from seeing the field for the majority of the second half of the season. If he can stay on the field he will be a force in this league.
The future is bright for LOLB Dont’a Hightower. He has the speed of smaller linebackers but the size and strength of the biggest in the league. He is the definition of a hybrid player.
Our favorite player in the Patriots secondary is SS Nate Ebner. With his 87 SPD and a 91 POW ratings, we see potential for him to become a quality player in this league.

Brady is one of the greatest QBs to ever play the game. He can make any throw that is required.
Look to get the ball deep down the sideline to TE Rob Gronkowski.

Mayo is the veteran of the Patriots defense, and he leads by example. He is the team’s best overall tackler.
With his 91 POW rating, Mayo can cause fumbles when he hits ball carriers.

Who: HB Shane Vereen

Where: Backup HB

Why: Vereen needs to see the field on third downs. Vereen has a much better CTH rating for third down situations.

Key Stats: 83 CTH

Who: WR Aaron Dobson

Where: #4 WR

Why: Dobson is only a rookie, but he has the potential to be a big target down the sideline and in the red zone.

Key Stats: 6’2”, 87 CTH, 94 SPC

Who: SS Nate Ebner

Where: Starting FS

Why: Start Ebner for run situations only. He has 91 POW, which will force fumbles.

Key Stats: 91 POW

Who: CB Ras-I Dowling

Where: #3 CB

Why: Dowling is a big corner who plays a physical brand of football. Use him to press your opponents’ big WRs.

Key Stats: 6’1” 85 PRS