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Mazz: Is Bill Belichick building the Patriots in the image of the Baltimore Ravens?

Over 20 years, what we know about Bill Belichick, more than anything else, is that he likes options. On the field or off, Belichick doesn’t like to back himself into corners. The only unusual thing now is that he did just that with his roster over the last several years, which has led to an offseason binge during which the Patriots have seemingly snatched up anything that wasn’t locked in a glass cabinet.

Nov 3, 2019; Baltimore, MD, USA; New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick (left) and Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh (right) shake hands after the game at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Douglas DeFelice-USA TODAY Sports

By Tony Massarotti, 98.5 The Sports Hub

Two tight ends and a massive offensive tackle, and now the Patriots are being linked to power running backs. If you add Cam Newton to the mix, maybe there is a simple conclusion.

In 2021, Maybe the Patriots intend to run an offense akin to that of the Baltimore Ravens.

Trying to figure it all out, Patriots fans? Don’t bother. Over 20 years, what we know about Bill Belichick, more than anything else, is that he likes options. On the field or off, Belichick doesn’t like to back himself into corners. The only unusual thing now is that he did just that with his roster over the last several years, which has led to an offseason binge during which the Patriots have seemingly snatched up anything that wasn’t locked in a glass cabinet.

So where is this going? Good question. Maybe the Patriots have a quarterback move already in place, being a trade for Jimmy Garoppolo or the drafting of someone like Trey Lance or Mac Jones. Whatever the case, rest assured that Belichick is prepared for the alternative – which means another season of Newton.

Consider:

Are the Patriots aiming to do what the Ravens did to them in Jackson's MVP season? It's something to consider.

You can hear Tony Massarotti weekdays from 2-6 p.m. EST on the Felger & Massarotti program. Follow him on Twitter @TonyMassarotti.

Tony Massarotti is the co-host of the number 1 afternoon-drive show, Felger & Mazz, on 98.5 The Sports Hub. He is a lifelong Bostonian who has been covering sports in Boston for the last 20 years. Tony worked for the Boston Herald from 1989-2008. He has been twice voted by his peers as the Massachusetts sportswriter of the year (2000, 2008) and has authored five books, including the New York times best-selling memoirs of David Ortiz, entitled “Big Papi.” A graduate of Waltham High School and Tufts University, he lives in the Boston area with his wife, Natalie, and their two sons. Tony is also the host of The Baseball Hour, which airs Monday to Friday 6pm-7pm right before most Red Sox games from April through October. The Baseball Hour offers a full inside look at the Boston Red Sox, the AL East, and all top stories from around the MLB (Major League Baseball).