SEASON PREDICTION  

The Patriots are coming off a Super Bowl loss which for many franchises would be one of the greatest seasons in history. However, as the great Patriots CB Devin McCourty said "In New England they only count Super Bowls." Despite the high standard set in New England last year was a success by all accounts. Drake Maye took a humongous step and elevated himself from a promising rookie into the runner-up for MVP. Although doubters may point towards the weak schedule that New England had along with their fortuitous injury luck it does not take away from the fact that they were able to quickly right the ship into a 14-3 record just 1 year removed from Jerod Mayo and a disastrous 4-13 season. As the 2026 season begins, all eyes will be on the Pats to see if they can repeat what they did last year.  

The Patriots addressed their biggest flaw by drafting an offensive lineman in the first round and signing Alijah Vera-Tucker.  They also got a true WR1 for a relatively cheap cost only sacrificing one first round pick in 2028. They will have the opportunity to silence the haters who say last year's success came only because of a weak schedule as this year they have the 6th hardest SOS. My main issue with the team is the play in the trenches which was glaring in the Super Bowl and throughout the playoffs. However, to the Patriots credit they address this issue throughout the draft using their first two picks on beefing up both sides of the ball. Another slight concern is a Drake Maye regression season. We have seen this happen with other QBs who have had a great year and then a downward slump the next, for example Jayden Daniels and CJ Stroud following their rookie year performances.   

As for the positives, I am extremely high on Treveyon Henderson having a breakout year. We saw glimpses of his explosiveness and potential last year but in the playoffs, he eventually took a backseat role to the more experienced Rhamondre Stevenson who I feel will play a valuable role as a vet presence and helping split the backfield carries so both players are fresh for the playoffs. In addition, the Pats acquired a top 10 wide receiver whose dream has always been to play with the Patriots and paired him up with their young ascending superstar QB. 

 Moreover, they have arguably the best cornerback in the game with Christian Gonzalez lurking in the secondary. I believe that they will start off a bit rough to begin the season having to play some elite teams such as the Seahawks, Jaguars, and Bills in the first 4 weeks. However, as the season goes along and the team begins to mesh, I see them picking up steam and finishing with a record of 11-6. Some off field drama stemming around Mike Vrabel may affect the team's psyche to begin the season, which is another reason why I don't foresee them starting off very strong. All together New England seems prime for another deep playoff run and if the cards fall in place, they may just see themselves back in the Super Bowl.