Comparing the Patriots Week 1 53-man roster to the Patriots Super Bowl LI 53-man roster

[PatsFans.com Article]

Comparing the Patriots Week 1 53-man roster to the Patriots Super Bowl LI 53-man roster

Miguel Benzan

I thought that it would be interesting to look at the changes by

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[jmt57]

To basically sum up the changes on the offensive side of the ball the Patriots switched
Tom Brady, Dion Lewis, and Michael Floyd for
Rob Gronkowski, Jonathan Cooper, and Clay Harbor.

To basically sum up the changes on the defensive side of the ball the Patriots switched
Rob Ninkovich, Kyle Van Noy, and Geneo Grissom for
Jamie Collins, Anthony Johnson, and Jonathan Freeny.​

Nice summary. But there are also extra layers below the surface.

Scar's positive influence on the offensive line is at the top of the list. Exhibit A is Marcus Cannon suddenly transforming from a player that elicited groans when Patriot fans saw him on the field, to one of the better RTs in the league. Mason and Thuney both far exceeded expectations as well.

That in turn has led to improved play from all the running backs. In addition better pass protection has aided the development of guys like Malcolm Mitchell and Chris Hogan. Not many expected their productivity this season.