Will the Patriots make the Playoffs Next Season

[Huckleberry1]

To everyone voting NO. You are wrong. Just thought I would let you know.

 

[Dedhampatsfan]

Yes. I think Vrabes can get them to a road wild card game.

 

[mike_usagisan]

I think the competition is usually so bad for that 7th spot, there's no reason to think we won't be in the mix. And our schedule looks winable. It's ridiculous and I'll second guess myself later, but I vote YES.

 

[archstanton543]

To everyone voting NO. You are wrong. Just thought I would let you know.

Too many holes to fill in one off season. Plus a new HC and likely OC and DC. They have an easier schedule but that probably gets them another 2 wins.

 

[Sect140]

Why do I get the feeling you just love saying Redskins?

The Commanders have an actual OL. Not to mention a stud WR and a better defense.

Damn didn’t even realize I did it. My wife will tells me sometimes they aren’t the San Diego Chargers anymore.

 

[mike_usagisan]

Damn didn’t even realize I did it. My wife will tells me sometimes they aren’t the San Diego Chargers anymore.

I ALWAYS call them San Diego. I want to say Oakland for Raiders, too, but I’m getting better at that one.

 

[Ray Ray 717]

I’m saying YES. They will fix the lines and Maye will take a big step forward. This will make everyone on offense better. Vrabel will plug the holes in defense, and get them back to where they were at a couple of years ago, and the momentum will get them a WC spot, and Vrabel the Coach of the Year.

A couple lineman won't be the difference. Need to vastly improve WR group or we are toast

 

[mgteich]

Where I disagree with many of the no votes is on the number of holes they have to fill. I don’t disagree that they have numerous holes to fill, but I believe that they can fill one hole, and in some cases two, and by doing so improve the entire unit. However they have to nail the choices they do make to fix the problem. But if they nail those 1-2 players they change the entire dynamic, and improve all of their options. Example: if they go into free agency and sign Alaric Jackson and Trey Smith their OL would be fixed. They would have Jackson, Strange, Andrews, Smith, and Onwenu as starters, and current starters would be depth. If they signed a veteran DT, like BJ Hill or Jarron Reed the interior DL would be shored up, and they could draft Abdul Carter and have a front of White, Barmore Hill, and Carter. If they trade for Deebo and drafted Egbuka those two would start with Douglas, and the rest would be depth. So by filling one or two holes at the units in most need they could upgrade all those units across the board, they just have to hit on this signings or draft picks.

OL -2 free agents

RB 1 draft pick

WR-2 1 trade 1free agent

DT- 1 free agent or draft pick

DE-free agent or draft pick

LB 2 1 free agent 1draft pick

CB 1draft pick re-sign Jones

IF they can nail these additions each unit would improve significantly, and this would make them a playoff team, and they have enough $$$ and draft picks to address each of these and more, they just have to get the choices right.

If we do all that plus a couple more (FS and DL), then I think that we have good shot at the playoffs. I do think that we are asking a lot by asking that we hit on contributors at almost all these positions.

OFFENSE
and re-sign Hooper
==============

DEFENSE

I'm not sure that 5 additions are enough.

FRONT SEVEN - PERHAPS FOUR ADDITIONS IS ENOUGH (including a top 8 pick)
1) Is Wise being re-signed? I'm not sure that he has much left in the tank, and I'm a big fan.
2) Is Ekuale being re-signed? I hope not.
3) Will Barmore be a dependable starter?

SECONDARY - I THINK THAT WE NEED TO ADD A FREE SAFETY
I think that we need a free safety and a corner, even if Jones is re-signed. I like Austin and Pettus.
CB: Gonzo, free agent, Austin, Jones, Jones (I'm OK with a 3rd or 4th rounder with the potential to replace Jon Jones.
S: Peppers, Dugger and Pettus is one short.

 

[condon84]

I say yes. We lost 6 one score games last season, despite the terrible coaching staff. Infuse it with more talent and better coaching, we should be competing for a playoff spot.

After watching some of the QB performances during the Wildcard weekend, I'm confident that we have a better QB than some of the teams that made the playoffs.

 

[Stu Pidassle]

I say yes. We lost 6 one score games last season, despite the terrible coaching staff. Infuse it with more talent and better coaching, we should be competing for a playoff spot.

After watching some of the QB performances during the Wildcard weekend, I'm confident that we have a better QB than some of the teams that made the playoffs.

Next years strength of schedule is another should also help the team win more games than last year.

 

[Huckleberry1]

If we do all that plus a couple more (FS and DL), then I think that we have good shot at the playoffs. I do think that we are asking a lot by asking that we hit on contributors at almost all these positions.

OFFENSE
and re-sign Hooper
==============

DEFENSE

I'm not sure that 5 additions are enough.

FRONT SEVEN - PERHAPS FOUR ADDITIONS IS ENOUGH (including a top 8 pick)
1) Is Wise being re-signed? I'm not sure that he has much left in the tank, and I'm a big fan.
2) Is Ekuale being re-signed? I hope not.
3) Will Barmore be a dependable starter?

SECONDARY - I THINK THAT WE NEED TO ADD A FREE SAFETY
I think that we need a free safety and a corner, even if Jones is re-signed. I like Austin and Pettus.
CB: Gonzo, free agent, Austin, Jones, Jones (I'm OK with a 3rd or 4th rounder with the potential to replace Jon Jones.
S: Peppers, Dugger and Pettus is one short.

Mg, I think we basically agree. Part of the equation is that when they add 1DL and 1 DE they move 2 starters down to depth. I do think Wise will be back on a short term deal, but if they added say Hill DT, and Carter Edge then they add 2 immediate starters, and their bench then gets stronger by adding 2 former starters to it. Same goes for every unit. So they don’t need to fill 20 holes in a massive rebuild, they need to hit on 7-8 really good starters, who then improve their respective benches by turning starters into depth.

 

[PancakeBlockPaul]

Damn didn’t even realize I did it. My wife will tells me sometimes they aren’t the San Diego Chargers anymore.

Wait a sec, they arent???!?? Woooops ha

 

[Real fan 02]

I’m saying no, but I think they will be within a game or two of the 7 seed until the last game and will be playing hard to stay in the race.

I say yes Ross, for the one the schedule isn't as daunting. The impact of top notch coach can't be overlooked. I believe Vrabel is the best coach in the AFCE. We had seven one score games last season. Vrabel wins at least 5 those types of games. The roster projects to be 10x better, the defense will be much better. It's coaching what has prevented this team from winning aside from the roster.

 

[Real fan 02]

I think they’re going to have some luck acquiring players this offseason with Maye and now Vrabel in place to attract free agents. With some talent - and hopefully better protection - around Maye, they’re going to be significantly better on offense.

I also think Vrabel will get someone competent as a defensive coordinator who can put guys back in position to make plays and get them competitive again.

They were coached far too poorly to be as bad as they were last year. No adjustments, and they were outscored 32-3 in the 3rd quarter from December through the final game of the season. Vrabel won’t let that happen.

The schedule isn't as daunting. The Patriots did more to beat themselves than anything last few seasons. This offseason I think they will get some big trade acquisitions on defense and offense. I will never appreciate good coaching more than I ever have after going through Last year. My hope is Mike wilks or a veteran DC comes here. Situational football and coaching will be heavily enforced by coach Vrabel.

 

[jlu52]

I voted no, primarily because they need to learn how to play, can’t tackle or block, need to learn how to play together (penalties were quite onerous this year), and most importantly, lose the selfishness and finger pointing that was heard all year. Mr. Vrable and his team will accomplish all of this, I just don’t know how much can be accomplished when he’s starting with the present dumpster fire. Better days and playoffs are coming, for sure, just not sure about next year. They will be fighters and motivated, that’s for sure, imo.

 

[Hyped]

Seems people are confusing making the playoffs with making the super bowl.

All the 10 win teams are deeply flawed. A 10 win team doesn't go 10-2. It goes 10-7, which is a couple of unlucky bounces from a losing record. Being 10-7 isn't Everest heights, it's barely above water. You don't build a 14-3 team overnight but 10-7 is certainly doable when you have such an unprecedented amount of positive change.

We already have Maye, now Vrabel replaces one of the worst coaching staffs in history. We have an unheard of, record setting amount of resources to shore up holes and create areas of strength. And we're probably getting the best defensive player in the draft. There's a haul of talent coming in, and nothing going out that wasn't kicked out.

Most importantly "warmth before competence" leadership seminar is out the door and being replaced by actual leadership.

I'm hyped.

(@Hyped back me up here bro)

I completely agree.

If you take the ****$how that was the 2024 season... let's say we don't let Charbonnet convert a 3rd and short in week 2...Brisset's pass to Jalynn Polk isn't too high and he is in bounds in week 5...Maye doesn't throw that interception in week 9 down in Nashville...and the Colts don't score a 2 point conversion in week 13....that's 4+ wins right there putting us at 8-9. Now...yeah...on the flip side...we shouldn't have beaten Cincinnati in week 1...and unlikely would have beaten the Bills in week 18 if they had something at stake. But I am saying that this team should have been a 6-11 team at worst, IMO. You have to learn to not lose before you can win. And I think that is what Vrabel brings.

Remember the 2023 season? How close we were from the playoffs....basically one Meyers lateral pass fumble or a Rhamondre fumble. That is the kind of team I expect next year with Vrabel at helm...ASSUMING we ADD NOTHING IN FA NOR THE DRAFT. That team was 8-9.

Now add in Vrabel's "teach-to-not-lose-before-you-can-win" thing...add that with the most cap space in the league....add that with no MAJOR FAs to resign (just Wise or Jon Jones and a few others if we want them back).... 4 draft picks in the top 107 picks..... and the dumpster fires in New Jersey and Miami....I think we have a formula for 10 wins and a playoff berth in 2025.

 

[Real fan 02]

I voted no, primarily because they need to learn how to play, can’t tackle or block, need to learn how to play together (penalties were quite onerous this year), and most importantly, lose the selfishness and finger pointing that was heard all year. Mr. Vrable and his team will accomplish all of this, I just don’t know how much can be accomplished when he’s starting with the present dumpster fire. Better days and playoffs are coming, for sure, just not sure about next year. They will be fighters and motivated, that’s for sure, imo.

While I definitely understand your points as last season they looked none of wich on defense. Here's some optimism. Fundamentals can be fixed. The details and communication was the problem last season. I don't know
how many times the guys on defense said that the communication and Fundamentals weren't there. Why thing is certain sounds coaching is back Is Foxboro and the next move is acquiring talent.

 

[mgteich]

While I definitely understand your points as last season they looked none of wich on defense. Here's some optimism. Fundamentals can be fixed. The details and communication was the problem last season. I don't know
how many times the guys on defense said that the communication and Fundamentals weren't there. Why thing is certain sounds coaching is back Is Foxboro and the next move is acquiring talent.

One step at a time.

First let's see who coaches the Defense. Is anyone staying? Probably not. That's a lot of folks to hire and to get on the same page.

 

[Toofy]

Draft - Abdul Carter . You get a DE to pair with white and that should be more than sufficient for generating pressure .

Free agency

Trey Smith ( priority 1 and onwenu insurance/motivation if he regresses)
Go big on Higgins or Davante Adams / Godwin on prove it deals
DRE GREEN LAW - LB
Hufanga - safety
Rasul Douglas / dj reed - CB
Austin Hooper -

This should improve the depth of team.

Coming to draft , just draft BPA and after round 4 just draft physical specimens who can be coached up ( cornerbacks , linebackers, tight ends )

I am okay for this draft to be more on defense and getting offense through free agency while trying to train and upskill the rookie players on offense drafted in last 2 years .

 

[Froob]

I’m saying no, but I think they will be within a game or two of the 7 seed until the last game and will be playing hard to stay in the race.

I agree