Patriots Have Silver Linings Despite Losing AFC Championship vs. Broncos

January 25, 2016   ·   Erik Frenz   ·   Jump to comments

It's going to be a long offseason for the New England Patriots. Or will it?
The Patriots lost to the Denver Broncos, 20-18 in the AFC Championship Game, and that loss will sting until the Patriots have a chance at redemption in 2016. 
There will be frustration over missed opportunities on third downs; there will be second-guessing over choosing not to kick field goals on a few key late fourth-down opportunities; there will be wondering what might have been if the Patriots had just been a little healthier. There will also be a very similar Patriots team taking the field in 2016.
The NFL punished the Patriots by revoking a first-round pick in the 2016 NFL draft, but they also do not have many key free agents to re-sign this offseason. 
The only big names of note are fullback James Develin, defensive tackle Sealver Siliga, running back LeGarrette Blount and defensive end Akiem Hicks. In short, the Patriots could have it a lot worse than to have to re-sig...

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