STATE OF THE FRANCHISE

When Week 1 rolls around this September, however, the Patriots are slated to be without the services of Brady for the first four games of the season as a result of his perceived role in the "Deflategate" scandal. While the three-time Super Bowl MVP has already filed an appeal of his suspension, the Patriots are faced with opening the season with second-year signal caller Jimmy Garoppolo behind center.

While a reduction in Brady's penalty remains plausible, the team will also open the season with running back LeGarrette Blount suspended for the opener, while fielding a cornerback corps that will be minus key 2014 cogs Darrelle Revis, Brandon Browner and Kyle Arrington. The team also parted ways with long-time nose tackle Vince Wilfork this offseason, but in spite of it all, the team remains in a position to make another title run upon the return of Brady. While the secondary clearly remains a work in progress, the team's defensive front is well stocked, bolstered by the deployment of back-to-back first-rounders on Dominique Easley and Malcom Brown. Moreover, defensive captain Jerod Mayo is back from a knee injury to rejoin a linebacking corps that also rosters Dont'a Hightower and rising star Jamie Collins.

Meanwhile, Stevan Ridley and Shane Vereen have been cycled out of the team's backfield mix, but there are plenty of fill-in hopefuls, with Jonas Gray, Brandon Bolden, Travaris Cadet, Dion Lewis, James White and Tyler Gaffney all set to jostle for carries behind Blount. Meanwhile the team's top three wideouts – Julian Edelman, Brandon LaFell and Danny Amendola – are back to reprise their pass-catching roles, while star tight end Rob Gronkowski will continue to provide Brady (and Garoppolo) with a top-shelf red zone option.

While division crowns have become routine for the Patriots, the team's early-season challenges in 2015 could open the door for the Bills, Dolphins or Jets to make a run for the top spot in the AFC East. Still, as long as Belichick coaches and Brady throws fully inflated footballs for him, the franchise's title window remains open.

OFFSEASON MOVES

Key Acquisitions

Scott Chandler – TE, Bills
Though Rob Gronkowski clearly remains the team's top TE option, the 6-foot-7 Chandler gives the Pats another towering red zone option.

Malcom Brown – DT, Texas (ROUND 1, 32nd overall)
Will be counted on to help fill the void created by the departure of Vince Wilfork.

Jabaal Sheard – DE, Browns
Provides valuable defensive end depth/insurance to complement Chandler Jones and Rob Ninkovich.

Key Losses

Shane Vereen – RB, Giants
His departure opens the door for James White, Travaris Cadet and Dion Lewis to compete for change-of-pace reps.

Stevan Ridley – RB, Jets
His four-year stint with the team concluded with a torn ACL last October.

Vince Wilfork – DT, Texans
Slowing down at this stage of his career, but the big man's leadership and run-stuffing ability will be missed.

TEAM NOTES

SORTING OUT THE BACKFIELD MINUS RIDLEY AND VEREEN
Power back LeGarrette Blount sits atop the team's running back depth chart, but he's suspended for the team's opener. Jonas Gray is the logical candidate to be featured in Week 1, assuming he holds off Brandon Bolden and Tyler Gaffney for the assignment. A more permanent solution is needed in order to replace pass-catching back Shane Vereen. Some combo of James White, Travaris Cadet and Dion Lewis figures to absorb the role. As a rookie, White suited up for just three regular season games, but keep in mind that in his first NFL season in 2011 Vereen carried just 15 times for 57 yards and didn't catch a pass, so it's far too early to write White off. A strong training camp/preseason could put the 2014 fourth-rounder in a position to see a major increase in snaps this season, a scenario that could provide him with PPR utility.

REPLACING AN ISLAND
Rolling out shutdown cornerback Darrelle Revis was a luxury the Patriots were only to enjoy for one season. He's gone, as are Brandon Browner and Kyle Arrington, leaving the defending champs minus their top three options at the position in 2014. With no splashy free agent additions or high draft picks utilized to address the situation, the team's current top options at outside cornerback are Super Bowl hero Malcolm Butler, Bradley Fletcher and Logan Ryan. Meanwhile, Robert McClain and seventh-round pick Darryl Roberts are candidates to work out of the slot. It's possible that the Patriots have plans to make a key addition or two down the road, as they did with their in-season acquisition of Aqib Talib in 2012, but as it stands now, the success of team's defense this season appears to rest largely on an improved pass rush and capable linebacking corps.

VALUE METER

Declining:Aaron Dobson has potential to emerge as a downfield threat, but he must reprove his health to carve out such a role.

Sleeper:James White saw limited action as a rookie, but he's a prime candidate to help fill the void created by the loss of Shane Vereen.

Supersleeper: Look for Jonas Gray to head the team's backfield in Week 1, with LeGarrette Blount suspended. Beyond that, he's an injury away from serving as the team's top "big back."

IDP WATCH

Rob Ninkovich – DE
His tackle numbers dropped in 2014, but he recorded eight sacks for the third straight season.

Chandler Jones – DE
Should approach double-digit sacks, assuming a return to good health.