This same time last year...

[Real fan 02]

With camp next week on Wednesday. I can remember entering training camp at this time. First time Head Coach, a new GM, A first Time OC and DC, with a rookie QB. Unstable OL.

The uncertainty we all had as fans, I personally had some optimism however it quickly faded.

The contract dispute with Judon, the double speak from Mayo, Wolf and the organization just so many blunders. Now we have proven winners. Championship pedigree coaches back in Foxborough, as well as an upgraded roster. I know our wonderful Mods will put up the official training camp thread..however I want to hear the thoughts on my fellow posters on how they feel heading into camp this year, as opposed to last season.

Post your thoughts!

 

[ViperGTS]

With camp next week on Wednesday. I can remember entering training camp at this time. First time Head Coach, a new GM, A first Time OC and DC, with a rookie QB. Unstable OL.

The uncertainty we all had as fans, I personally had some optimism however it quickly faded.

The contract dispute with Judon, the double speak from Mayo, Wolf and the organization just so many blunders. Now we have proven winners. Championship pedigree coaches back in Foxborough, as well as an upgraded roster. I know our wonderful Mods will put up the official training camp thread..however I want to hear the thoughts on my fellow posters on how they feel heading into camp this year, as opposed to last season.

Post your thoughts!

You aren't wrong. I mean look at Diggs. That was an issue the local media was salivating over, yet another chance to degrade a local team that pays their salaries. Instead of Mayo tripping over his shoelaces, Vrabel was able to nip it because A) he isn't a dummy and B) players across the league respect the hell out of him.

My guess is the football in 10 days will be a breath of fresh air.

 

[Real fan 02]

You aren't wrong. I mean look at Diggs. That was an issue the local media was salivating over, yet another chance to degrade a local team that pays their salaries. Instead of Mayo tripping over his shoelaces, Vrabel was able to nip it because A) he isn't a dummy and B) players across the league respect the hell out of him.

My guess is the football in 10 days will be a breath of fresh air.

Good points. Just the vibe, the whole feel is so different than last season at this very same time. It's unbelievable we are a week out from camp.. where did the 5 weeks go??.. Yes, perfect point on Diggs mayo would have gave him a bro hug instead of reaffirming what he expects of him. Vrabel Is is a players coach who's respected in the league and by the players and doesn't tolerate BS.

 

[Ross12]

You aren't wrong. I mean look at Diggs. That was an issue the local media was salivating over, yet another chance to degrade a local team that pays their salaries. Instead of Mayo tripping over his shoelaces, Vrabel was able to nip it because A) he isn't a dummy and B) players across the league respect the hell out of him.

My guess is the football in 10 days will be a breath of fresh air.

I wondered how Mayo would have handled that same situation, but then I remembered there was probably little chance Diggs would have chosen to sign in NE if Mayo was the coach in the first place... Regardless, I imagine Mayo would start off by saying "it's a team situation" but then the next morning throw the player under the bus in a casual, almost accidental sort of way, and then a few days after that at his next presser, open things by saying he shouldn't have said what he said.

 

[Ross12]

With camp next week on Wednesday. I can remember entering training camp at this time. First time Head Coach, a new GM, A first Time OC and DC, with a rookie QB. Unstable OL.

The uncertainty we all had as fans, I personally had some optimism however it quickly faded.

The contract dispute with Judon, the double speak from Mayo, Wolf and the organization just so many blunders. Now we have proven winners. Championship pedigree coaches back in Foxborough, as well as an upgraded roster. I know our wonderful Mods will put up the official training camp thread..however I want to hear the thoughts on my fellow posters on how they feel heading into camp this year, as opposed to last season.

Post your thoughts!

I definitely had cautious optimism, since Mayo had a generally good reputation and was a solid former player/defensive captain, so I figured there was a decent shot that would translate. Some of his honest and open comments were a nice change of pace at first - obviously they would wear very thin as time passed, especially since he was constantly going back on himself or changing the story, but we hadn't really had to deal with that too much before training camp.

I was also optimistic about AVP since the Browns' offense was pretty successful the season before that with many different QBs, and AVP was largely credited for that - although in hindsight it was definitely more about Stefanski.

I was confident that, if nothing else, at least Mayo would keep the defense on track and performing at a relatively high level especially since they brought back so many pieces. How wrong I was!

I was happy with the mostly good values Wolf had signed in free agency even if he had not really been able to lure any "big ticket" external FAs. We didn't know yet how the draft would turn out but it was logical to be optimistic about Polk and Baker. We didn't yet know that McConkey was going to be a major breakout player.

Having said all of that - Vrabel, McDaniels and the rest of the new coaching staff fix many of these issues, and Vrabel/Cowden/Streicher seem to have had a massively positive influence on steering the front office. But again, it's all theoretical for now.

 

[Real fan 02]

I wondered how Mayo would have handled that same situation, but then I remembered there was probably little chance Diggs would have chosen to sign in NE if Mayo was the coach in the first place... Regardless, I imagine Mayo would start off by saying "it's a team situation" but then the next morning throw the player under the bus in a casual, almost accidental sort of way, and then a few days after that at his next presser, open things by saying he shouldn't have said what he said.

Over the weekend I watched Diggs YouTube channel it details his training, overcoming adversity and he kept saying he got another opportunity for a new situation and he has to prove himself all over again like when he cam into the league. That tells me Diggs really didn't have many suitors, and his relationship with Vrabel and playing with Drake was the reasons we got him.

 

[Real fan 02]

I definitely had cautious optimism, since Mayo had a generally good reputation and was a solid former player/defensive captain, so I figured there was a decent shot that would translate. Some of his honest and open comments were a nice change of pace at first - obviously they would wear very thin as time passed, especially since he was constantly going back on himself or changing the story, but we hadn't really had to deal with that too much before training camp.

I was also optimistic about AVP since the Browns' offense was pretty successful the season before that with many different QBs, and AVP was largely credited for that - although in hindsight it was definitely more about Stefanski.

I was confident that, if nothing else, at least Mayo would keep the defense on track and performing at a relatively high level especially since they brought back so many pieces. How wrong I was!

I was happy with the mostly good values Wolf had signed in free agency even if he had not really been able to lure any "big ticket" external FAs. We didn't know yet how the draft would turn out but it was logical to be optimistic about Polk and Baker. We didn't yet know that McConkey was going to be a major breakout player.

Having said all of that - Vrabel, McDaniels and the rest of the new coaching staff fix many of these issues, and Vrabel/Cowden/Streicher seem to have had a massively positive influence on steering the front office. But again, it's all theoretical for now.

I share the same sentiments Ross. My optimistic thoughts were the same.. Mayo being a BB disciple, great relationship with ownership and was a great player himself. Also already being in the organization. Same for me with AVP i was impressed that amid 5 different QBs he was able to still have a top offense in the league and take the brown to the post season.

I started to loose Optimism when the defense started to flounder... that was supposed to be Mayo's wheelhouse.

Then as you mentioned the doublespeak, Drake won the competition, But Brissett gives us the best chance to win..

The Coaching staff never felt like they were all in unison seemed as if there was disconnect between AVP and Mayo on Drake starting.. Although your right it's all theoretical.. even if we hit a skid this season I expect the team to look like a professionally ran operation. I expect this team to get better as the season goes along not worse last like season.

 

[Sect140]

I don’t know if I was optimistic or just if it was just a feeling of a new regime which we hadn’t experienced in a very long time. However that didn’t last long, I remember reading reports from training camp, multiple reporters stating training camp seems unorganized, players and coaches unsure of what do to in the next session. I’m sure those reporters will be comparing last camp to this camp, how this year is so organized.

 

[Real fan 02]

I don’t know if I was optimistic or just if it was just a feeling of a new regime which we hadn’t experienced in a very long time. However that didn’t last long, I remember reading reports from training camp, multiple reporters stating training camp seems unorganized, players and coaches unsure of what do to in the next session. I’m sure those reporters will be comparing last camp to this camp, how this year is so organized.

Yes, and there seemingly 5x as more patiots reporting outlets all on YouTube, ect now then before, or at least it feels like it. Also do you remember the reporting on Polk? How he was the best WR during the camp practices and was with the first team offense, however in the pre season games he came off the bench. That was odd..

 

[WazzuWheatfarmer]

It still boggles my mind that Jerod Mayo was actually hired as an NFL head coach. I’ve never seen worse leadership. Thank goodness Kraft saw how horrible of a mistake that was and fired him immediately after the 2024 season ended. I’m extremely thankful that Vrabel is now the Patriots Head Coach.

 

[Steve102]

Last year, I was optimistic they were going to have a honeymoon period with Mayo. That feeling was even more pronounced when the won week 1. It was all false. Fake News. Mayo was so far in over his head that it wasn't even funny. At least we can be assured they have professional coaching going into this year.

 

[Real fan 02]

It still boggles my mind that Jerod Mayo was actually hired as an NFL head coach. I’ve never seen worse leadership. Thank goodness Kraft saw how horrible of a mistake that was and fired him immediately after the 2024 season ended. I’m extremely thankful that Vrabel is now the Patriots Head Coach.

I dont think I've ever seen a NFL head coach not engaging with the team on the sidelines. Especially when a team runs on you 17x in a row..

 

[Patsfan1645]

This time last year........I was concerned. I didnt care for how Mayo handled himself in the press conferences when he was named the HC. I also didnt care for the message he was putting out about the team/players. I was concerned about the staff and lack of overall experience the entire staff had. I was hoping that if it started out rough they would get their feet under them and improve as the season went along but somehow it only seemed to get worse.

This year I am trying to temper my optimism as it feels like they checked most of the boxes and have made a ton of sound decisions. Everyone is talking about wins (9-10?) and possibly a shot at a wild card spot. As for me I am setting the bar low. I want to see a team that appears to be professionally run and continues to improve from week to week and is not penciled in on anyone schedule as a W.

 

[Real fan 02]

This time last year........I was concerned. I didnt care for how Mayo handled himself in the press conferences when he was named the HC. I also didnt care for the message he was putting out about the team/players. I was concerned about the staff and lack of overall experience the entire staff had. I was hoping that if it started out rough they would get their feet under them and improve as the season went along but somehow it only seemed to get worse.

This year I am trying to temper my optimism as it feels like they checked most of the boxes and have made a ton of sound decisions. Everyone is talking about wins (9-10?) and possibly a shot at a wild card spot. As for me I am setting the bar low. I want to see a team that appears to be professionally run and continues to improve from week to week and is not penciled in on anyone schedule as a W.

Last season we had 6 or 7 one score losses. Primarily due to coaching. Vrabel wins at least 5 of them. This season The way the teams constructed and coached no offense is just going to be able do anything they want like last season. Being aggressive, pushing the line of scrimmage back, being the more physical team. All that was missing last season.

 

[Dec54]

I definitely had cautious optimism, since Mayo had a generally good reputation and was a solid former player/defensive captain, so I figured there was a decent shot that would translate. Some of his honest and open comments were a nice change of pace at first - obviously they would wear very thin as time passed, especially since he was constantly going back on himself or changing the story, but we hadn't really had to deal with that too much before training camp.

I was also optimistic about AVP since the Browns' offense was pretty successful the season before that with many different QBs, and AVP was largely credited for that - although in hindsight it was definitely more about Stefanski.

I was confident that, if nothing else, at least Mayo would keep the defense on track and performing at a relatively high level especially since they brought back so many pieces. How wrong I was!

I was happy with the mostly good values Wolf had signed in free agency even if he had not really been able to lure any "big ticket" external FAs. We didn't know yet how the draft would turn out but it was logical to be optimistic about Polk and Baker. We didn't yet know that McConkey was going to be a major breakout player.

Having said all of that - Vrabel, McDaniels and the rest of the new coaching staff fix many of these issues, and Vrabel/Cowden/Streicher seem to have had a massively positive influence on steering the front office. But again, it's all theoretical for now.

Yes cautious optimism, that is how I felt too. The Judon situation was not a good piece of man management, seeing the two of them on the side line having words was not a good sign. I hung on in there with Mayo, I really wanted him to do well. but as time went on I felt my optimism starting to slip away. I felt for him, but my god had he bitten off more than he could chew. So it was out with the old and in with the new. And what a lovely shinny new it is too. So looking forwards to the coming season. Perhaps even a play off spot, you never know. Have renewed faith in the coaching staff and players........Just don't do a Mayo on us Mike

 

[Water Boy]

I was optimistic about Mayo at this time despite some of the awkward press conferences (Thunder).

I was looking forward to a west coast style offense for a change. Where AVP was lacking was in proving protection schemes to help the O line.

Mayo was lauded as a film junkie during career so I assumed he'd have defensive game plan chops.

I thought BB kept his title as LB coach because he was a ball buster, but in reality he wasn't qualified to be anything more.

 

[reflexblue]

Last year i had hope, this year i have confidence the team will be better on the coaching alone, never mind all the new talent on the field.

 

[WazzuWheatfarmer]

I dont think I've ever seen a NFL head coach not engaging with the team on the sidelines. Especially when a team runs on you 17x in a row..

Agree. Mayo was just a laughable disaster from start to finish. His head coaching career in the nfl will forever go down as a punchline of running jokes about coaching ineptitude

 

[Real fan 02]

Agree. Mayo was just a laughable disaster from start to finish. His head coaching career in the nfl will forever go down as a punchline of running jokes about coaching ineptitude

Yes! Mayo skipped the line. What it takes to become a HC in the NFL, what he truly should have done and I'm sure he likely feels as though he should have. Was take one of the many opportunities he had to go elsewhere and become a DC. He chose to stay and wasn't ready at the very least.

 

[Joey007]

Is it fair to say this is the most optimism going into a season since Brady was here?

I suppose 2021 was optimistic as well.