Overview
2024 Record: 4-13
General Manager: Eliot Wolf (Executive VP of Player Personnel)
Head Coach: Mike Vrabel
Starting Quarterback: Drake Maye
Key Extensions:
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Key Additions:
WR Stefon Diggs, EDGE Harold Landry III, CB Carlton Davis, OT Morgan Moses, DL Milton Williams, WR Mack Hollins, OT Will Campbell, RB TreVeyon Henderson, WR Kyle Williams, iOL Jared Wilson, K Andres Borregales
Key Departures:
CB Jonathan Jones, QB Jacoby Brissett, DL Davon Godchaux, K Joey Slye
Offense
Offensive Coordinator: Josh McDaniels
2024 Ranks:
EPA/play: 27th Success Rate: 19th PPG: 30th (17ppg)
Projected Starting Offense (11 personnel):
QB Drake Maye
RB TreVeyon Henderson
WR Stefon Diggs
WR Mack Hollins
WR DeMario Douglas
TE Hunter Henry
LT Will Campbell
LG Cole Strange
C Garrett Bradbury
RG Mike Onwenu
RT Morgan Moses
Offense Notes:
New England's offense in 2024 was a hard watch...most of the time. Jacoby Brissett started the year at QB, leading the team to a 1-4 record before ultimately being supplanted by Drake Maye after an injury. With Maye in tow, the Patriots would go on to win two more games, flashing the occasional explosive play. Ultimately, the lack of talent across the offense held the QBs back.
2025 should be much different. To start, Josh McDaniels is back in Foxborough as the play-caller, which should yield better results. If you glance up at the projected starters, you'll see that there are at least six new starters in 2025 that should present significant upgrades. Giving Drake Maye a workable offensive line and average receivers should allow him to flash more of the high potential that got him drafted 3rd overall.
Defense
Defensive Coordinator: Terrell Williams
2024 Ranks:
EPA/play: 29th Success Rate: 27th PPG: 22nd (24.5ppg allowed)
Projected Starting Defense (Base 3-4):
DE Milton Williams
DT Khyiris Tonga
DE Christian Barmore
OLB Harold Landry III
OLB Anfernee Jennings
LB Robert Spillane
LB Christian Elliss
CB Christian Gonzalez
CB Carlton Davis III
S Kyle Dugger
S Jabrill Peppers
Defense Notes:
The Patriots defense was not a world-beating unit either in 2024. Aside from a few fluky performances against Cincinnati and Chicago, the Pats' defenders weren't a match for opposing offenses. It's understandable why the team was willing to overpay for some defensive free agents this offseason.
Hopefully, the big payday players help bring stability and upside to this group. The headliner, Milton Williams, should be able to provide disruptive pass rush from the interior. Harold Landry is familiar with new head coach Mike Vrabel - he can help instill Vrabel's culture. Carlton Davis is a very experienced corner who can play second fiddle to Christian Gonzalez. Overpaying for stability isn't the worst possible choice for a team that desperately needed it.
Outlook
The New England Patriots are one of the teams that has such a wide jump from 2024 to this season. Already having a young quarterback in place that, through rough stretches, was able to flash as a potential franchise player is a good start. Maye was dealt a rough hand for his rookie season, and now should be much more sufficiently insulated.
In particular, the additions to the offense should provide a spark. This offensive line goes from one of the worst in the league to hopefully average. The receiver room goes from second worst (behind the Panthers' 2024 group, in my opinion) to a workable group. There was a concerted effort from the brass to give Maye both veteran and youthful help on that side of the ball.
With all this in mind, I don't think we can expect New England to instantly be launched into contention. This was a roster that myself and others thought was the worst in the NFL last season. Even with the many strong additions to the team, this group still isn't among the elite AFC teams. I think the high end outcome is contending for one of the last wild card spots, but Patriots fans should be happy if this season allows for Drake Maye to take the next step, even if it doesn't mean lots of wins this year.
Expectation/Goal for 2025: Nurture Drake Maye's growth
2025 Schedule
Primetime games are BOLDED, all times EDT/EST