New England Patriots preview (No. 2): With Brady back, focus shifts to defense

Key arrivals: Jabaal Sheard (linebacker), *Malcom Brown (defensive line), Dane Fletcher (linebacker), Bradley Fletcher (cornerback), Brandon Gibson (wide receiver), Scott Chandler (tight end), Jonathan Freeny (linebacker)

(*denotes rookie)

Key departures: Darrelle Revis (cornerback), Vince Wilfork (defensive tackle), Stevan Ridley (running back), Shane Vereen (running back), Kyle Arrington (cornerback), Brandon Browner (cornerback), Jonathan Casillas (linebacker), Dan Connolly (offensive guard), Akeem Ayers (linebacker)

2015 Schedule:

Sept. 10: Pittsburgh, 8:30 p.m.

Sept. 20: at Buffalo, 1 p.m.

Sept. 27: Jacksonville, 1 p.m.

Oct. 4: BYE

Oct. 11: at Dallas, 4:25 p.m.

Oct. 18: at Indianapolis, 8:30 p.m.

Oct. 25: New York Jets, 1 p.m.

Oct. 29: Miami, 8:25 p.m.

Nov. 8: Washington, 1 p.m.

Nov. 23: Buffalo, 5:30 p.m.

Nov. 29: at Denver, 8:30 p.m.

Dec. 6: Philadelphia, 4:25 p.m.

Dec. 13: at Houston, 1 p.m.

Dec. 20: Tennessee, 1 p.m.

Dec. 27: at New York Jets, 1 p.m.

Jan. 3: at Miami, 1 p.m.

IF EVERYTHING GOES RIGHT

The Patriots pick up right where they left off and find ways to win football games. The defending champs may have experienced some turnover during the offseason, but coach Bill Belichick knows how to re-tool a roster with the best of them. Finding players who fit specific roles is an art that has been mastered in New England.

IF EVERYTHING GOES WRONG

BREAKOUT PLAYER: Cornerback Logan Ryan

The Patriots will need someone to fill the void following the offseason departures of cornerbacks Darrelle Revis (New York Jets) and Brandon Browner (New Orleans). Entering his third NFL season, Ryan has the most playing experience of the returning cornerbacks. His skills also are well-suited for the increased amount of zone coverage the Patriots are expected to use in defense of their Super Bowl title.

CIRCLE THE DATE GAME: at Dallas in Week 5 (4:25 p.m. ET/Oct. 11)

The two powerhouse franchises will meet for the first time since 2011. This potential Super Bowl 50 preview also will mark New England's first trip to AT&T Stadium.

ALEX MARVEZ'S PREDICTION: 11-5, first place

New England's early-season fortunes now rest with Brady and not Garoppolo, the second-year quarterback who has never started an NFL game. So now the Patriots must battle their recent history, which shows that New England typically gets off to slow starts.

The Patriots opened 2-2 last season and 1-2 in 2012 before finishing with 12-4 records. They must prove a revamped secondary that lost cornerbacks Revis and Browner in free agency is up to snuff. Expect more zone coverage with the hope that the front seven can affect quarterbacks with pressure. Because of the ongoing Brady saga and all its fallout, following Belichick's credo of "Do your job" and ignoring potential distractions outside the team framework has never been more important for Patriots players if New England is to stick it to the NFL and repeat as Super Bowl champion.