#new-england-patriots

#new-england-patriots

The priority in New England is protecting the franchise. Drake Maye has some of the longest time to throw this year, and that's a testament to offensive line coach Doug Marrone and the resources the team used to improve the unit this past offseason. A pair of top-100 picks and two veterans have been enough to significantly improve the unit, but it's important New England keeps their eyes on the future.

Speaking to reporters on Wednesday afternoon, Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel said that three offensive linemen - right tackle Morgan Moses, center Garrett Bradbury, and backup tackle Vederian Lowe - along with linebacker Anfernee Jennings didn't practice on Wednesday due to illness. In total, New England had five players missing from practice on Wednesday, with defensive tackle Khyiris Tonga also sidelined with a foot injury.

It is a nice change of pace in New England at this point in the season to be focused on the playoffs rather than already looking ahead to free agency and the NFL Draft. But that doesn't mean it's too early to eye some of the top candidates that will inevitably be on their radar, including a wide receiver like Alec Pierce.

The idea won't be well-received by Patriot Nation. Douglas has an infectious personality and is well-regarded. Yet, after leading the team in receptions with 66 for 621 yards and three touchdowns in 2024, he regressed to only 31 catches for 447 yards and three touchdowns in 2025. In addition, there is a clear replacement already in place who's a candidate to rock the NFL world if the Patriots' coaches ever snap out of their fog and realize exactly what they have on their hands.

Patriots transactions:🏈 Activated to 53-man roster: OT WillCampbell, DT Milton Williams🏈 Released from 53-man roster: DT Jeremiah Pharms Jr.🏈 Elevated from practice-squad for Sunday: C/G Brenden Jaimes, DT Leonard Taylor III- Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) January 3, 2026 After clinching the AFC East division title last week following Buffalo's loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, this Dolphins game is no longer a must-win for Mike Vrabel's crew.

The 13-3 Patriots have secured the AFC East title and hold the AFC's No. 2 seed entering their Week 18 matchup against the Dolphins. However, the Patriots can still end up with the AFC's No. 1 seed, which would give them a first-round bye and home-field advantage until the Super Bowl. What we do know, though, is that there are only three teams the Patriots could possibly face if they wind up playing in the Wild Card Round.

The New England Patriots won the AFC East this season for the first time since 2019, marking an incredible start to the Mike Vrabel era. They'll be hoping to turn their division title into a habit, but it won't be easy. The Bills have had a down year, the Dolphins have had quarterback issues, and the Jets have a seemingly endless stream of draft picks over the next few seasons.

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.

The New England Patriots are gearing up for their first playoff run since 2021, as they'll likely face the L.A. Chargers in the wildcard round in Foxborough. At this point in the season, the Patriots have locked up the AFC East with a game to go, and while beating the Dolphins on Sunday is the priority, preparing for the playoffs is of utmost importance.

Mack (Hollins) means a lot to this football team. His personality, his spirit, I've talked about that a bunch and he wanted to travel with us and be here and support and I know that he's happy for Chiz (Efton Chism III), just because those two have been really close since the time that Chiz got here.I think it's been (a) fun mentorship and we'll need that from Mack. We'll need him to make contributions off the field as we move forward.