Next Pats: How these Patriots do and don't compare to the 2001 champs originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston
The similarities between the 2001 and 2021 New England Patriots are uncanny.
Obviously, the comparisons begin at the quarterback position. The '01 Pats had an inexperienced Tom Brady taking over for injured veteran Drew Bledsoe, and this season New England is counting on rookie QB Mac Jones. Not only has Jones' rookie campaign been a success, his playing style has been eerily similar to Brady's first season as the starter.
Then there's the defense.