For the New England Patriots, there's a major problem with how great legendary quarterback Tom Brady was: His apotheosis into football immortality was such that, in an abstract sense, he almost became bigger than the Patriots. And because of that, it is almost as if the Patriots aren't the Patriots without him.

And yet, when they finally get back to the practice field, the New England Patriots will begin living and playing in the post-Tom Brady era. While their longtime quarterback tries to continue his career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the other stars of the Patriots - like center David Andrews, back after blood clots forced him to miss the entire 2019 season - will be back in Foxboro trying to determine how to fill the leadership role that Brady's persona and credentials commanded for nearly 20 years.

But in true Patriots fashion, Andrews stated during a conference call with local media that he didn't believe that anyone needed to force it or do "anything out of the ordinary."

"I think (with) leadership, sometimes you can see through it if there's some BS in it. Be who you are, do what got you here. Just do it better and do it more," said Andrews. "It is what it is, it's being in the NFL - It's part of this business. There doesn't need to be a Superman anywhere, we just need to go out there and do our jobs as collectively as a group, provide good leadership even if he was here or he wasn't here, whoever was here. That's our job and that's what we'll try to do."

For Andrews and every other player on the Patriots, there is indeed a life to be had after Tom Brady as well as an AFC East title to defend. Still, it isn't as though Brady won't be missed within the building. Particularly not by Andrews, who went from going undrafted out of Georgia in 2015 to snapping the ball to Brady in three Super Bowls, winning two.

"Obviously Tommy is who Tommy is, and what a great experience it was to get to play with him," said Andrews. "Appreciative of him and our friendship that we have. It was kind of the longest quarterback (& center relationship) I've ever played with in any stages of my football career. It's always a special bond, and we'll remain friends for life."

Exactly who the next quarterback Andrews plays with will be is a matter of great intrigue both in the New England region and around the league. Andrews believes he is in a fortunate position, as he has worked with second-year quarterback Jarrett Stidham, seemingly the frontrunner for the job, as well as backup quarterback Brian Hoyer.

However, the Patriots' lack of star power at quarterback - at least to this point in the offseason - has resulted in plenty writing off the Patriots as being their usual, contending selves in 2020. All of which is nothing more than noise to Andrews, who prefers to let New England's destiny be decided by how they respond to the challenge ahead.

"There's always a new challenge in the NFL," said Andrews. "... It's just part of this business, part of this league. All this stuff about whatever anyone has to say - Everybody has an opinion. All we can do is go out there and control what we can control. ... Make the most out of each day, kind of put your head down and look up where you are later."

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David Andrews: Patriots don't need to have a Superman - 247Sports