Since 2023, the NFL has seen a 19% increase in viewership, and with the 2025-26 season now underway, many of these new viewers are realizing they have no clue what's going on.

Time to educate.

Let's start with the basics. Football is played on the gridiron with 11 players lined up on offense and 11 players lined up opposite on defense. The objective is for the offense to score a touchdown (6 points) or kick a field goal (3 points) while the defense does its best to stop them. When a touchdown is scored, the team then has the chance to kick a PAT (point after touchdown) to earn a total of 7 points. 

It may seem simple, but this process can prove quite challenging. Players, coaches, and advisers must employ a well-crafted strategic plan to achieve success. NFL football requires elite physical and mental skills. This is what makes the sport so fascinating to watch, not to mention the ever-looming risk of serious bodily injury.

Now, to be a Patriots fan in good standing, there are things one needs to know about the franchise. The Pats have recorded 6 Super Bowl wins, 11 AFC Conference Championships, and have had 11 of their players inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, including the greatest of all time, Tom Brady. 

The Patriots dominated the NFL for almost 20 years, cementing themselves as one of the best franchises to ever play the game. And while they may not be the juggernaut they once were, team owner Robert Kraft and head coach Mike Vrabel have been stocking the team with much-needed talent, including fresh-faced star quarterback Drake Maye.

For Massachusetts residents, staying informed about the Patriots is more than simply following a sports team; it's about being connected to a significant part of the state's identity and economy. The Patriots directly impact local morale and civic pride, influencing community spirit and social interactions. 

Moreover, the team's success drives revenue for local businesses, from sports bars and restaurants to merchandise vendors, making their status relevant to the financial well-being of many in the state. Keeping up with the Patriots is, therefore, a way of participating in the cultural and economic lifeblood of Massachusetts.