Are we back?

[Triumph]

 

[Steve102]

They are certainly not going to be among the dregs of the league. I’m cautious, I really want to yell YES!

 

[TommyD4207]

Let's get them in pads first.

 

[Triumph]

It appears that the Pats front office focused on high character guys who love football.

Vrabel changing the culture of the team. There may be hope for Polk. I would like to believe that the Pats are at least 4 wins better than 2024. 8 wins is only a couple three wins from the post season. I like to think that the Pats will be in the playoff conversation here and there as the season progresses.

 

[maust]

Let's get them in pads first.

Okay... but...



For one day after a hella draft allowances should be made

 

[Steve102]

Okay... but...



For one day after a hella draft allowances should be made

Ok, fekk it.

 

[TommyD4207]

Okay... but...



For one day after a hella draft allowances should be made

I'm not letting myself take the cheese yet.

 

[BTTA]

I was struck by Bedard's placing of four of the draft picks as #1 on the depth chart at their respective positions. Five if you count the kicker, who has barely encountered the Mason Dixon line from what I can see.

 

[Water Boy]

Lots of work to do. The install of a new offensive system will take time. I'm optimistic about the coaching staff but nervous about WR development. OLine coaching and development will be critical.

We would need key contributions right away from rookies at key positions OT, RB,WR, K but shouldn't bank on it.

Barring injuries (clots) , we should all be bullish on the defense.

 

[manxman2601]

They've certainly laid the foundation to being back. no longer does the roster look like a AAA team and in the near future they can be more targeted in free agency instead of trying to fill out a complete roster of starters. In terms of future drafts, they can draft like the best teams do - no need to reach, let the draft come to them and stock up on key positions like the Eagles do on the DL. I'm feeling much more confident moving forward.

 

[Boomer B]

 

[patfanken]

No! Not if you define back as being a legit Championship contender. But we seemingly are heading in the right direction. This group of athletes and coaches have SO much to do in creating some sense of continuity, and establishing a defined culture. Learning how to win those tight games. Having the mental and physical discipline and attention to the small details. All these things are critical to be a legit contender to a title.

We have got to remember that this group of 90 players hasn't even learned how they will huddle up yet. How they will call the plays. What language they will be communicating in. They have never played a snap together and we KNOW how important knowing and trusting the guy next to you is. All that takes time. Sometimes YEARS.

So all that euphoria needs to be toned down to reality. There is SO much work to be done before this a group that will consistently compete for titles. This is going to be a VERY young team but it will be fun to watch it grow up.

Right now, I will be happy if at the end of year I can say that this is a much better team after thanksgiving than it was in September and we have are still in the playoff mix in that month.

 

[maust]

I'm not letting myself take the cheese yet.

Were you by any chance an East German Olympic judge in a former life?
C'mon man, it's one f'n day. Cheese, crackers, bourbon, whatever I'm in. If for no other reason than it's the first Pats draft in like 20 years where I'm not sittin' here the day after mumbling "dafuq" over and over while my wife contemplates my potential institutionalization. So yeah...



...FOR ONE DAY

 

[oceansizer]

I would say it is a nice start, at least on a paper players look better. Some talents on the roster, now Vrabel teach the boys how to win. I expect some fun, some wins and emotions during games.

 

[signbabybrady]

You're God damn right we are!

 

[maust]

No! Not if you define back as being a legit Championship contender. But we seemingly are heading in the right direction. This group of athletes and coaches have SO much to do in creating some sense of continuity, and establishing a defined culture. Learning how to win those tight games. Having the mental and physical discipline and attention to the small details. All these things are critical to be a legit contender to a title.

We have got to remember that this group of 90 players hasn't even learned how they will huddle up yet. How they will call the plays. What language they will be communicating in. They have never played a snap together and we KNOW how important knowing and trusting the guy next to you is. All that takes time. Sometimes YEARS.

So all that euphoria needs to be toned down to reality. There is SO much work to be done before this a group that will consistently compete for titles. This is going to be a VERY young team but it will be fun to watch it grow up.

Right now, I will be happy if at the end of year I can say that this is a much better team after thanksgiving than it was in September and we have are still in the playoff mix in that month.

Ladies and gentlemen, let's hear it for Ken! As you can see he's a bundle of laughs, available for parties and bar mitzvahs and the kids just love him!

 

[The Gr8est]

I am optimistic that as the season nears the end, teams fighting for a playoff spot are not going to want to see the Pats on their schedule.

 

[Steve102]

No! Not if you define back as being a legit Championship contender. But we seemingly are heading in the right direction. This group of athletes and coaches have SO much to do in creating some sense of continuity, and establishing a defined culture. Learning how to win those tight games. Having the mental and physical discipline and attention to the small details. All these things are critical to be a legit contender to a title.

We have got to remember that this group of 90 players hasn't even learned how they will huddle up yet. How they will call the plays. What language they will be communicating in. They have never played a snap together and we KNOW how important knowing and trusting the guy next to you is. All that takes time. Sometimes YEARS.

So all that euphoria needs to be toned down to reality. There is SO much work to be done before this a group that will consistently compete for titles. This is going to be a VERY young team but it will be fun to watch it grow up.

Right now, I will be happy if at the end of year I can say that this is a much better team after thanksgiving than it was in September and we have are still in the playoff mix in that month.

Spoken like a true coach.

I think the level of “back” is what’s up for debate here. They aren’t going to be a minor league team like they were the last 2 years. They will be back playing professional football. I say this with confidence because they are being led by football professionals.

To your point of being “back”, that’s accurate. They aren’t ready to fight for a Super Bowl. Yet. I do think that we can all be assured they’ll be competitive week in and week out. There will be growing pains. But as fans, we are back from the shadows and into the light.

 

[maust]

I am optimistic that as the season nears the end, teams fighting for a playoff spot are not going to want to see the Pats on their schedule.

 

[mayoclinic]

I will settle for "headed in the right direction".

This year is about upgrading the roster, building a culture, and developing a winning mindset. Make NE an exciting team on the upswing with a top coach and QB. Be in a position to attract talent, and draft for the future instead of plugging holes.

2026 should be the goal for "back", in Ken's use of the term.