#New England Patriots

#New England Patriots

New England's defense is No. 7 in the league in total defense (302.4 yards allowed per game), No. 5 in points allowed (19.5 per game), tied for No. 7 against the run (104.1 yards allowed per game), and No. 10 against the pass (198.3 ypg). Ewers (39 of 60, 485 yards, two touchdowns, two interceptions, 87.2 passer rating) has been calm and composed in his previous two starts, compiling a 1-1 record.

When Robert Kraft made the shocking decision to move on from Bill Belichick after two decades, there was a clear frontrunner to be the Patriots' next head coach. The problem was that he was still serving that role for another team for at least a few days longer, and Kraft was hellbent on getting Belichick's successor in as soon as possible.

The Patriots' second-round pick in 2020 had become a prominent part of their defense over the five years he was part of the team, which earned him an extension last offseason. But a rough 2024 season, plagued by a misdiagnosed injury, hurt his chances of remaining on the roster under Vrabel, and he wasn't able to prove his value to the team with the opportunities he was given.