Fan Fuel: Can Patriots put Aaron Hernandez behind them?

With the 2013 NFL season set to kickoff on September 5, Fan Fuel's Jovan Alford looks at the one burning question facing each club. Today, the New England Patriots and whether they can put the Aaron Hernandez scandal behind them.

BY JOVAN ALFORD – FAN FUEL BLOGGER

With the 2013 NFL season set to kickoff on September 5, I take a look at each club and discuss the one burning question facing them. Today, the New England Patriots and whether they can put the Aaron Hernandez scandal behind them.


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One of the biggest news stories of 2013 has been the Aaron Hernandez murder charge. While he awaits trial in jail, the former New England Patriots tight end has put a black eye on the Pats franchise and on the NFL. Hernandez does not have a trial date currently set so this will be a black cloud over Gillette Stadium for the rest of the season.

Without Hernandez, the Patriots wide receivers will have to step up big time as they are also without Rob Gronkowski until further notice. Players that could shine for the Pats are wide receivers Danny Amendola, Aaron Dobson, and Josh Boyce. A tight end that could step up too is Zach Sudfeld, who is an undrafted rookie free agent who has potential but doesn’t have the skillset like Gronkowski or Hernandez.

But the constant presence is quarterback Tom Brady and with him under center you always have a chance to win.

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