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New England Patriots’ 5 Biggest Questions Heading Into the Playoffs

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By @petahrahgas

New England Patriots’ 5 Biggest Questions Heading Into the Playoffs

Tom Brady
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The playoffs don’t start for the Patriots for another week which gives me time to get relax before the insanity that is the NFL playoffs sweeps over me. But it also give the Patriots time to address some questions that have been plaguing them in the end of the season. Here are the five biggest questions facing the Patriots moving into the postseason.

5. Who’s Running the Football?

Jonas Gray
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5. Who’s Running the Football?

Jonas Gray
Getty Images

When the Patriots brought in LeGarrette Blount after his not-so-clean divorce from the Steelers, all of Foxborough anticipated he would become the workhorse for the Patriots' offense. But that hasn’t really happened yet, and the Patriots still seem unsure as to which running back they want to focus on, be it Jonas Gray, Blount or Shane Vereen. Picking a back and sticking with them will help going into the postseason.

4. Will Gronk Remain Healthy?

Rob Gronkowski
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4. Will Gronk Remain Healthy?

Rob Gronkowski
Getty Images

Gronkowski has finally made it to the postseason 100 percent and ready to destroy the world. But will he be able to remain healthy? It’s always hard to predict injuries, but you can bet that if the Patriots ever find themselves in a blowout win, Gronk will be sitting on the bench; he’s just too valuable to this offense to risk an injury.

3. Can the Defense Get A Consistent Pass Rush?

Akeem Ayers
David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

3. Can the Defense Get A Consistent Pass Rush?

Akeem Ayers
David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

While the midseason acquisition of Akeem Ayers and the return of pass rushing specialist/bestest player ever Chandler Jones has bolstered the Patriots’ pass rush, they still struggle with consistently getting pressure, especially on third downs. When facing quarterbacks like Peyton Manning or Andrew Luck, or looking really far ahead at possibly Aaron Rodgers, the defense will need to be able to get after the quarterback.

2. Can the Offense Get Past Slow Starts?

Tom Brady
David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

2. Can the Offense Get Past Slow Starts?

Tom Brady
David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

This problem has been well documented by me and every Patriots writer this season. The Patriots have a nasty habit of getting off to a slow start, falling behind and then having to come to life in the second half to win. In the regular season against subpar opponents you can get away with that, but not in the playoffs against the best of the best.

1. Will the Offensive Line Be Able To Keep Brady Standing?

Tom Brady
Getty Images

1. Will the Offensive Line Be Able To Keep Brady Standing?

Tom Brady
Getty Images

What happened!? After the Chiefs game the Patriots shuffled up their offensive line and everything was looking hunky dory, but then suddenly all of the line regressed hardcore and Brady is running around for his life. If the Patriots have any shot at making it to the Super Bowl (which they have better than any), the offensive line needs to return to their midseason form.

Peter Rogers is a New England Patriots writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @petahrahgas, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google

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