"Entering the second half of the season, the Patriots' red zone offense had become a legitimate concern for fans and analysts alike. Quarterback Drake Maye has had an unbelievable knack for hitting big scoring plays beyond the 20-yard line, but in the red area, where the team's inconsistent rushing attack has been a problem at times this year, the Patriots' efficiency drops considerably."
"Two things can be true: The 13-3 New England Patriots are legitimate Super Bowl contenders despite a 2025 schedule that, as the New York Jets showed this past Sunday, has been extremely favorable, to put it lightly. They're also a well-coached and talented football team that's not without some glaring flaws. Entering the second half of the season, the Patriots' red zone offense had become a legitimate concern for fans and analysts alike."
"True to form for a Mike Vrabel-coached team, New England has noticeably improved in that area. Over the last three weeks, the Patriots have been scoring touchdowns in the red zone at a 73 percent clip, per Team Rankings, ranking seventh overall in football over that span. If the Patriots can keep that trend going, they'll be a tough out for any opponent in the upcoming AFC playoffs."
The 13-3 Patriots have become legitimate Super Bowl contenders, aided by a favorable 2025 schedule and playmaking quarterback Drake Maye. Maye produces big scoring plays beyond 20 yards, but Patriots' red‑zone efficiency suffered earlier because of an inconsistent rushing attack. Over the last three weeks the Patriots scored touchdowns in the red zone on 73 percent of trips, ranking seventh in football. Mike Vrabel's coaching has driven noticeable improvement in that area. The defense has been undermined by injuries to defensive tackle Milton Williams and linebacker Robert Spillane. A poor first half in Week 15 yielded five consecutive touchdown drives, though the unit forced three takeaways in wins over Baltimore and the Jets. Defensive vulnerabilities remain the primary concern entering the playoffs.
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