The last time we saw the Patriots in action, they defeated the Seattle Seahawks in what was arguably the greatest Super Bowl of all-time. As the defending Super Bowl champions, the Patriots are once again favored to win the AFC East, for a seventh consecutive season.

Bill Belichick and the Patriots have compiled 12 wins or more the last five straight seasons, but there is some doubt heading into this season.

Without a doubt, the biggest reason uncertainty creeps in this year is because of Tom Brady's suspension. Because Brady would not cooperate with the league, he is currently out for the first four games of the year. Jimmy Garoppolo will get the start if Brady's suspension is upheld once again.

Outside of Brady and the "deflategate" issue, defense is a concern as well. Cornerbacks Darrelle Revis and Brandon Browner are no longer with the team, leaving a big hole in the secondary. Browner wasn't the greatest shutdown corner, but he brought size and physicality that eventually led to a championship. Defensive tackle Vince Wilfork is also no longer with the Patriots. Wilfork is one of the best run stoppers in NFL history, and he was the defensive team captain

Not all has been negative in Foxborough this offseason, however.

Brady will be back, and the Patriots have the best head coach in all of football. LeGarrette Blount is suspended but just for one game. It's also worth noting that Blount wasn't even the Patriots' leading rusher last season as he was acquired mid season after the Pittsburgh Steelers released him. This is Jonas Gray's time to shine. The Patriots don't have an elite rushing attack, but then again, they never usually do in the Belichick era.

Wide receivers and tight ends shouldn't be a problem whatsoever for offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels. Julian Edelman has completely replaced Wes Welker as the best slot receiver in the game, and Rob Gronkowski is still a touchdown machine. The signing of Brandon LaFell proved to be fantastic one last year. LaFell posted career highs in yards, receptions and touchdowns with the Patriots last season. Now that LaFell is fully used to this system, he should have another good year.

Brian Tyms may even get some extended playing time if Aaron Dobson doesn't show improvement or stay healthy this season.

The Patriots' secondary will definitely take on a new look with some question marks, but the linebacker core looks great. Jamie Collins is emerging as an elite linebacker who has already drawn comparisons to one Tedy Bruschi. Collins led the Patriots in tackles last season with 91. Although Jerod Mayo missed all of last season, he agreed to take a pay cut this offseason, and Dont'a Hightower can fill his spot. The Patriots will have to get to the quarterback far more often than playing lockdown secondary defense considering that Revis and Browner are no longer with the team. Re-signing safety Devin McCourty was a great decision.

There's no doubt the Patriots have owned the AFC East in the 21st century. They've won this division 11 of the last 12 seasons, but the other squads are improving. The New York Jets, Buffalo Bills and Miami Dolphins all have great defensive units, but questions at the quarterback position.

Outside of the division, others have taken a step back as well. The Pittsburgh Steelers no longer have an elite defense, the Denver Broncos fired their head coach this offseason, and the Indianapolis Colts haven't shown they can defeat the Patriots.

The Patriots (and rest of the AFC East) will take on the NFC East this season. The New York Giants have defeated the Patriots the last three consecutive games. The Patriots schedule doesn't start off easy, but it does show an advantage in the end. In all five of the Patriots' December games, they play a team who didn't make the playoffs last year.

Follow Damon Salvadore on Twitter @DamonSalvadore1