"The 2025 New England Patriots have gone from sloppily disappointing in the first three games to soaring in the next six. The team is on a five-game winning streak and getting better by the week. Yet, one aspect of the defense is troubling - they're giving up points on the first two drives of games far too often, and it has to stop."
"The result of this early defensive malaise is that brilliant young quarterback Drake Maye, who's taking the top off the NFL in his sophomore season, and his offense are being put in a hole from the start. While he's proven capable of leading his team out of that morass, the better option is to stone opposing offenses early, ring up a lead, and then coast to an easy win."
"Mike Vrabel has to take responsibility for his defense's slow starts Mike Vrabel has done a splendid job thus far as the Patriots' coach. One of owner Robert Kraft's best decisions in years, Vrabel has not only transformed a lackluster roster in one offseason into a contender, but also has the team heading for the playoffs. Yet, as Patriots.com writer Evan Lazar points out, early on in games, his defense is terrible."
The 2025 New England Patriots recovered from a slow 3-3 start to win five straight games and rise as a playoff contender. The offense, led by sophomore quarterback Drake Maye, has shown explosive vertical passing that can overcome deficits. The defense, however, has repeatedly surrendered points on the first two drives, allowing opponents early leads in six of eight opening possessions. Those slow starts place unnecessary pressure on the offense and create a risky path against elite teams. Coaching adjustments and defensive accountability are required to blunt opponents early and convert strong midgame performance into consistent wins.
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