Former Patriots executive Mike Lombardi believes the addition of Cam Newton really changes things for the organization this coming season.
Before the move was made many thought this would be a bridge year of sorts, but appearing on Ordway, Merloni & Fauria Monday, Lombardi said New England can potentially challenge Kansas City, the defending Super Bowl champs.
“To me, I thought they would win over nine games and I said this on my show. I think to me, now it gives them a conversation to be can they beat Kansas City?" Lombardi said. "And the way they have to play, can they beat Kansas City? I think that is the ultimate — can they beat the top teams in the league?”
Lombardi was pressed on if the Patriots could in fact beat Kansas City.
“I think they can — I do," he said. "A lot of it is going to come down to their kicker and how good he is, right? Because he’s a rookie. It’s also going to come down to how good those young players are on defense. If they can add another defensive lineman or somebody in there to give them a little more (strength), I think they can.”