"Because they went into the season with the easiest strength of schedule in the league, there was already a thought that it could become a storyline at some point, despite most believing they would end with a losing record. Now that they've ensured that won't happen, the naysayers are screaming from the rooftops that their schedule is the only reason they're winning, and not because of an improved coaching staff and an excelling second-year quarterback."
"While loud detractors like Cam Newton spend their time on television and social media claiming the Patriots aren't as good as their record indicates, the team continues to put on stellar performances to prove just how wrong they are. That is expected to happen again this weekend against the Bengals, who are already down QB Joe Burrow and now DE Trey Hendrickson, and it's looking like they will be without Chase, too, as he was suspended by the league for his antics against the Steelers"
Preseason expectations predicted modest improvement for the Patriots in 2025, with many forecasting eight wins and continued rebuilding. The team instead opened an eight-game win streak and sits at 9-2 under new coach Mike Vrabel and a rising second-year quarterback. Critics point to the league's easiest strength of schedule as the main driver of success and argue wins are schedule-dependent rather than talent- or coaching-driven. That critique intensified as key Bengals players faced absences, including quarterback Joe Burrow, Trey Hendrickson, and the likely suspension of Ja'Marr Chase, fueling doubters' narratives.
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