3 Players Who Need Rebound Seasons for Patriots to Get Back to Super Bowl

In terms of wins and losses, it was business as usual for the New England Patriots in 2019 as they finished atop the AFC East with a 12-4 record. However, the offense, led by quarterback Tom Brady, was as average as any unit in the NFL.

The valiant efforts of Stephon Gilmore and Co. on defense weren't enough as the Patriots' flame petered out in the Wild Card Round against the Tennessee Titans, who walked into and out of Foxborough with a 20-13 victory.

Despite New England's flaws, it wasn't the outcome that most anticipated. With Brady bolting for Tampa Bay in free agency, the Pats will need more players to step up in 2020. What's equally important, is that they will need these three players to rebound from sluggish seasons.

3. Julian Edelman

Patriots WR Julian Edelman / Adam Glanzman/Getty Images

It's shocking to think that Edelman appeared in all 16 contests (13 starts), but the reliable veteran was hobbled by injuries virtually all season. Edelman still caught 100 passes for over 1,000 yards, but the injuries really slowed down what could have been a career year for him. It'll be interesting to see how the three-time Super Bowl champ meshes with a QB not named Brady, but he should still be expected to produce. Edelman needs to be healthy to do that, however, and he has an opt-out after this season. If Edelman wants to cash in one last time in his storied career, it has to be now, especially with his incentive-laden deal.

2. Dont'a Hightower

Patriots LB Donta Hightower / Jim Rogash/Getty Images

2019 was a season to forget to Hightower and his ineffectiveness was largely clouded by just how awesome the Patriots defense was as a group. The 30-year-old vet received a Pro Football Focus grade of 69.4 for the year, which means that he was as average as any linebacker in the NFL. That just doesn't cut it for a player that mans the middle of New England's elite defense. Hightower enjoyed a career high 5.5 sacks last season, but other than that he was largely ordinary. That needs to change for the Pats to be taken seriously in the AFC.

1. Sony Michel

Patriots RB Sony Michel against the Jets in 2019 / Jim McIsaac/Getty Images

Michel was a shell of the player that enjoyed a breakout campaign in 2018. You could argue that his struggles were the product of a poor offensive line, but the 25-year-old RB looked anything but explosive last season. For the year, Michel logged 912 yards on 247 carries, which averages out to a lousy 3.7 yards per carry. For context, the Georgia product registered 19 more yards on 38 less carries in 2018.