#new-england-patriots

#new-england-patriots

After watching the Texans' defense dismantle the Steelers on Monday night, it's clear the Patriots are in for a challenge when they host Houston in the divisional round. They just went against another formidable defensive opponent in the Chargers, but this is a different breed Drake Maye hasn't faced in his young career. It is already being projected to be the best defensive group the Patriots will face this season, and fortunately, they have some experience in that area during the 10-game win streak.

The New England Patriots have made a flurry of practice squad additions over the past week, greatly improving the team's depth. At this point in the season, players are worn down, and the practice squad can offer fresh options during the home stretch. New England released WR Brandon Smith, OT Sebastian Gutierrez, and DT Fabien Lovett from the practice squad this week. None of these moves came as big surprises, as none had seen elevations to the active roster this season. The team also released RB D'Ernest Johnson from the active roster, later re-signing him to the practice squad. Johnson had been the team's third in the depth chart after injuries to Antonio Gibson and Terrell Jennings, while also operating as the kick returner. He had 14 carries for 25 yards this year and averaged 25.6 yards per kick return.

"Super excited that they've all had opportunities to move forward and do different things in their career," McDaniels said of facing the former Patriots staffers. "They've obviously done a nice job of the things they're responsible for. Looking forward to the competition part of it, but you know, you have friends on every team."

I don't know if you guys could sense it or feel it the way I did Sunday night, but the crowd was a real asset to the team. Also, the feelings. I think part of it is what's happened to the franchise the last 3 or 4 years compared to the two decades previous. So, it's pretty cool to be back.

The New England Patriots have put together one of the best young cores in football. Drake Maye and Christian Gonzalez star, and the 2025 rookie class is one of the best in recent memory. Aside from their impressive draft, the team rostered three undrafted rookies. In all, six rookies start, and the squad rosters 14. New England has 12 picks in the 2026 NFL Draft, giving them a golden opportunity to further improve a young and overachieving roster.

When the New England Patriots released former starting safety and team captain Jabrill Peppers in late-August and then later traded away their other starter at the position from 2024, Kyle Dugger, in late-October, part of the reasoning behind the moves was the improvement of Jaylinn Hawkins. These decisions have paid off for the team, as Hawkins has gone from a role player and special teamer during the previous year to one of the NFL's top five safeties in 2025, according to Pro Football Focus' rankings.

The under-the-radar free agency signing has become an integral part of the Patriots' defensive efforts this season, and has even been used on offense as an extra lineman. Tonga has been a massive boost to their production on both sides of the ball, but it's looking increasingly likely that he won't be suited up this weekend. As reported by ESPN's Mike Reiss, Tonga was not present for Thursday's practice, and he was absent from Wednesday's, too.

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.