""I think in an AFC this year where it's wide open, the Patriots are just as good as anybody. They have, right now, the best chance [to win the AFC] because being [at Gillette Stadium on Monday night], that atmosphere is different. Different than even when I was there,""
""Being in that atmosphere after two bad seasons, you could see the fans were like, 'Man, we thought we were going to have to wait maybe 15 years to be good again'. And their energy, the way they're showing up to the stadium early, staying the whole game, I think they feel like 'Hey we got to give this team this boost 'cause we had no idea we'd be this good right now'.""
If the regular season ended today, the New England Patriots would be the AFC's number one seed. The team has improved markedly under first-year head coach Mike Vrabel, combining talent and coaching with an identity found early in the year. Gillette Stadium now features a noticeably different, high-energy atmosphere after two losing seasons, with fans arriving early and staying the entire game to lift the team. That energized home crowd is providing a tangible boost that strengthens the Patriots' playoff prospects. An easier schedule has helped, but renewed fan support and team cohesion underpin strong positioning.
Read at Musket Fire
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