The New England Patriots had a very busy NFL offseason, spending a lot of money improving their defense, most notably acquiring corners Darrelle Revis and Brandon Browner.

The Patriots were eliminated by the Denver Broncos in the AFC Championship game, 26-16. With the Patriots regular season just weeks away, many questions still remain.

Here are five big questions for the Patriots this season:

1. Can the Running Game Be Effective?

Stevan Ridley was a big disappointment last season. Fortunately, for Patriots fans, LeGarrette Blount emerged on to the scene. Blount is now in Pittsburgh, and Ridley needs to regain his 2012 form. In 2012, he ran for over 1,200 yards, but last season only ran for 773 yards. He was even benched by coach Bill Belichick because of his fumbling issues.

Shane Vereen is an excellent receiving back, who is just 25 years old. Brandon Bolden is also a serviceable back, who has a good all-around game. With most of the pressure focusing on the passing game, the running backs need to show up, and give the Patriots offense a balanced attack.

2. Will the Wide Receivers Be Dependable This Year?

The Patriots don't usually invest a lot in wide receivers. Last season, the Patriots drafted Aaron Dobson in the second round, and later signed Kenbrell Thompkins as an undrafted free agent. They even added Danny Amendola last year, as well. The only problem with those three receivers is they have health concerns. With Wes Welker no longer with the team, Julian Edelman is Tom Brady's most reliable target.

This offseason, the Patriots made a very underrated move by signing Brandon LaFell. LaFell is a good receiver, who spent four seasons with the Carolina Panthers. In each of the last four seasons, his touchdowns have increased. Patriots are going to need LaFell to be a consistent target all season long.

3. Will Robert Gronkowski Stay Healthy?

When Gronkowski is healthy, he's the best tight end in the NFL. But that's a big "if." Gronkowski has yet to play a completely full season healthy so far in his four-year career. In 2011, he did play all 19 games, but going into the Super Bowl, he was badly injured after a Bernard Pollard tackle.

In his 44 games started, Gronkowski has scored 43 total touchdowns. Basically, he averages one touchdown per game for the Patriots. Gronkowski is a large tight end who is fast, athletic and has great hands. He constantly draws double teams, which leaves other receivers open. Gronkowski has had four forearm surgeries, back surgery, a concussion and a torn ACL.

4. How Good Will This Defense Be?

There's no denying the Patriots made the correct decisions this offseason. Adding Revis and Browner should improve their secondary instantly. They won't be last year's Seattle Seahawks or the '85 Chicago Bears, but improvements are expected.

The last four seasons, the Patriots defense has been ranked in the bottom eight. Last year, the Patriots ranked 25th overall in defense. Re-signing defensive tackle Vince Wilfork was a great decision, and that should help with the run defense. The Patriots have good linebackers such as Jerod Mayo and Dont'a Hightower.

5. How Will the Patriots Do on the Road?

The Patriots are usually an average road team, winning the majority of their road games. This season, they have a pretty tough task. The first two game of the Patriots season are played in Miami and Minnesota. Four of their first six games are played away from Gillette Stadium.

Some of the most notable road games for New England this season include; the Kansas City Chiefs, Indianapolis Colts, San Diego Chargers and the Green Bay Packers. In order to get the No. 1 seed in the AFC, a bye week and homefield advantage throughout the playoffs, the Patriots are going to have to win road games.

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