"The cupboard was bare, to an extent, and the expectations were low when Mike Vrabel accepted the Patriots' head coaching job. This was a team that had hoards of holes on its roster and was coming off back-to-back 4-13 seasons. While the team showed some promise in Drake Maye's rookie season, this was a team that didn't know how to win, which showed in the Patriots' inability to win close games."
"New England's rookie class is a strong one and has a chance to be one of the best the league produces this season. However, the potential of two rookies starting on the left side of the offensive line is a little bit scary for Drake Maye. That's a unit that has to be better for New England to inch up the AFC's echelon, and it has many new faces on it."
"While Vrabel won't let his team take any opponent for granted - remember Bill Belichick dapping up 1-14 teams like they were the '85 Bears? - A September and October letdown could set the tone for another disappointing season. The first half of the schedule is easily the most favorable for the Patriots, and a bad September and October will likely generate more negativity within the talk shows and the fans. Another last-place finish is"
Mike Vrabel took over a Patriots team with a depleted roster and back-to-back 4-13 seasons. Drake Maye showed promise as a rookie, but the team struggled to win close games. The roster rebuilding plugged many 2024 holes, and the 2025 rookie class could rank among the league's best. Concerns remain about two rookie starters on the left side of the offensive line and many new faces at running back and receiver, which could endanger Maye and increase turnovers. The schedule lists an easy first half, but a September-October letdown could set a negative tone and risk another last-place AFC East finish.
Read at Musket Fire
Unable to calculate read time
Collection
[
|
...
]