Tedy Bruschi knows a thing or two about the Patriots defense leading the way, as that was the case for the majority of his playing career.
Bruschi believes that is what the 2020 Patriots will be like as well.
"The shift with Tom (Brady) being gone now is trying to make this a defense-dominated team. They'll tell you what they feel by what they do," Bruschi told WBZ-TV's Dan Roche recently. "So drafting those great young linebackers, I was excited to see that."
He added: "I can't wait to watch (Josh) Uche play, he's a great young player. Defense is going to have to lead the way and I think Bill (Belichick) knows that. I'm excited to watch them."
The Patriots' first three selections in the draft were all on defense -- Kyle Dugger, Uche and Anfernee Jennings.
As for Jarrett Stidham, Bruschi feels he's capable of replacing Brady.
"Just take care of the football," Bruschi said when asked what his advice would be. "Offensive line, put the gumption on yourselves. Stidham is going to be fine, he has a great mentality. Having a little experience with Tom will help him realize it's not Tom Brady he's following, just a buddy of his that he has to come in and do the job. I think he has the right mentality to do that."
Bruschi also said it's hard to say how Belichick will coach this year's team, as he needs to see what he has first.
"His view on the team is always going to be organic. From the first day they have training camp, he'll look at it and have his expectations. Those expectations may change over the first few weeks based on what he sees," said Bruschi. "That's why it's so great the way he coaches; 'I thought they were going to be this type of group but I have to change my expectations and focus more on this area.' He'll figure that out after each day of watching this team — the new, young Patriots."
New England is scheduled to open training camp in late July.
