State of the Patriots Q1 - 2025

[Triumph]

Maye just started in his 16th game.

He got credit for the 2024 Buffalo win that Milton actually played and won.

NE has the 11th ranked NFL offense through 5 games. NE finished 2024 ranked the 30th offense. Maye is smart enough, he is good enough and people like him. So far, Maye has 7 TDs - 2 INTS - 17 SACKS and he just had his 1st game winning drive (Buffalo) with many more to come. Maye has not passed for 300 yards yet, but he has thrown 3 TDs in game (vs Houston 2024)

Caveat is that the more games that Maye plays and wins, the more game film is accumulated for DCs to break down. The time will come when some DC figures Maye out and that hurdle will have to be overcome.

Presently, the 3 - 2 Pats next 3 games are vs 1 win teams -

Saints, 27th offense 24th defense
Titans, 31st offense 26th defense
Browns 31st offense 21st defense

Looks like a cake walk, but thats when you lose. 6 - 2 would be sweet, but 5 - 3 basically at the halfway point is alright as well. Obviously, the Pats would need 5 or 6 more wins to reach the...




A post season win would like the Super Bowl. This team is still rebuilding and changing the culture of a franchise where FAs want to come here and play for Vrabel, McDaniel's, Marrone, and with the Pats defense and Drake Maye. When you read that Tony Dungy went to NE practice before the Buffalo game and walked away convince that NE would win on SNF that is encouraging. Dungy is a solid Xs and Os Jimmy's and Joes guy.

The Patriots have a Defense that's improving.

They stop the run and that's where it all begins by making your opponent 1 dimensional.

Jeanty - 38 yards
Achane - 30 yards
Warren - 47 yards
Hubbard - 49 yards
Cook - 49 yards

What do you have to add?

 

[PatsFan2]

Great Post to your closing question another RB on somebody's roster: and another Decent WR. Mike Vrabel values WR play.

 

[40yrpatsfan]

After the other night, we're now a playoff contender and have to keep acting and thinking like one. There will be intense competition for those 3 WC spots. The best scenario is to win the division, but if we don't:
- there could be 2 WC teams from the West among Denver-LAC-KC
- there could 1 WC team from the South (Indy or Jax)
- if they all finish ahead of us, we're out

So after blowing the Pitt game, we don't have the luxury of doing it again and MUST beat these next 4 opponents: @NO, @Tenn, Cleveland, Atlanta. At 7-2, concede a loss @TB, then win the next 3 vs Jets, @Cin, Giants and we'd be at 10-3 and close to clinching with 4 games left.

 

[PATSYLICIOUS]

Ahead of schedule. I expected to be 2-3 at this point with a couple of ugly wins from the Oakland/miami/carolina games. Thought Maye would be struggling a little but managing just enough in the new offense right now. Even though its only one game above that record wise, its a very bullish plus one when you consider:

- One win was a blowout, the thought of this team scoring 42 against ANYONE was the furthest thing from my mind seeing how our passing offense looked in preseason.

-One loss was due to a 5:1 turnover ratio and it STILL came down to the last drive. And it was against a probable playoff team.

- We were without Gonzo 3 of those games

We are way ahead of schedule. Drake is playing like a top 10 qb. Diggs is playing like a top 5 wr less than 1 year after an acl tear. The defense with all the new acquisitions has gelled already and playing to its potential the last couple weeks. Wasn’t expecting any of that this soon, hoping it continues to the plus side overall, but surely there will be some setbacks along the way.

Improvements needed:

1) Rb. Rham is a big key, you need him to be the guy you paid for after the first 3 seasons. Our offense would be pretty scary with a legit run game. Its hard to feel confident in Rham though, one bad year okay… but he is on pace to have MORE fumbles this year. Its alarming. and how do we expect him to be a playmaker again when the ball security issues are clearly going to be in his head. Possibly Henderson eventually makes an impact allowing rham to be more complimentary. Wonder who we bring in as rb3, id be pretty much okay with anyone but hasty lol

2) Need more out of pop douglas. Had a couple catches at least sunday and he may have been the one maye was going to hit for a td before the half when the ball was tipped so that could be progress. Would love to see kyle Williams become a factor at some point.

3) Lb play and more edge rush beyond landry/chiasson. Not sure if that comes this year. Gibbens has been starting to play more. At edge i think someone needs to become a solid #3 in terms of getting to the qb. White is a dud, Jennings is mostly a run stopper. Ponder had some hype but havent seen much out of him there.

4) more consistency at fs. Hawkins has been good and bad, sometimes really bad. He may improve but it is probably one of the needs next year.

I feel like this start proves 10-11 wins is very possible this year. if all continues as is plus we have even half as good an offseason next year as we did this year we’ll be actual contenders in 26.

 

[mayoclinic]

Offense:

One of the best things about Maye is that, like Mahomes and Allen or vintage Aaron Rodgers, he's at his most dangerous when flushed out of the pocket. That's hard to plan for.

Give Maye a pocket, and I think he will eventually be 90% Tom Brady. He can make all the throws, and he is accurate enough to work with small windows. His processing speed and reads need to improve, and when he is over-hyped his accuracy can drift, but those will come over time. He will sometimes try to do too much and make mistakes, but he will cut those down. When forced to scramble, he will crush teams by improvising. I think he could be another Aaron Rodgers (but not a douche).

Henry, Diggs, Boutte and Henderson is a good start. Hope Williams develops. We need a better complement to Henderson and an alpha X (think Jordy Nelson for Aaron Rodgers), but we are not that far away from having a really strong set of weapons. Could use an upgrade at RB opposite Henderson.

The OL is coming along nicely, no longer a sieve. Will Campbell has been a revelation, could become our Trent Williams. Wilson will be a 10 year starter at LG or C, has Joe Thuney potential. Bradbury has exceeded expectations. The right side has been adequate, but could use an upgrade.

Overall, this is a 25+ PPH top 10 offense. In a year, with some growth and a few additions/upgrades, it could be a top 5 offense.

Defense:

The interior DL is the strength of the unit. Williams-Barmore is elite, a load for any opponent to deal with. They wrecked a good Buffalo OL. They are playing up to their big contracts. Tonga-Farmer great depth. I would like a penetrating DL for depth.

EDGE is adequate. Landry has done well. Chaisson is adequate. Keion White will probably never reach his potential. I would love to trade for Kayvon Thibodeaux or get an EDGE in FA.

The LBs are ok at best, but weak compared to the rest of the unit (other than S). Spillane is solid most of the time. Ellis doesn't cut it. Would prefer Givvens and Mapu as #3/4 guys. Could really use an alpha LB opposite Spillane.

S, along with LB, is a weak group. Woodson is coming along nicely, but that is it. Hawkins is a liability, Dugger not likely to show more. A starting S with range and versatility opposite Woodson is a priority. The 2026 draft is loaded at S, and I hope to see this unit upgraded in 2026.

Gonzalez, Davis and Jones are a very strong CB group. Jones needs to get an extension. I would like a 3rd outside CB for depth.

The unit has done well overall given Gonzalez' injury and Austin being out. It could benefit from coaching. it is a top 10 unit, with the potential to be top 5 by 2026.

Special Teams:

This unit has been outstanding, and should get better.

K, P, and LS hopefully set for the long term. Borregales starting to step up. He and Barringer both have live legs.

Schooler has been getting double teamed a lot.

Jones and Henderson as dangerous a return combo as you will find. Need another KR with Gibson out.

Well coached unit, should make complementary football a staple.

Coaching:

Outstanding. Hope this will be stable.

In 9 months Vrabel has upgraded the roster, established a culture, and built an identity. Amazing. He is very methodical, focused, and even-keeled - he keeps his intensity under control. He is both a hardass and a player's coach.

I haven't been a McDaniels fan, but he is showing the ability to adapt. Lots more play action, starting to adjust to Maye's strength. I was worried that he would try to mold Maye into Tom Brady, but he seems to be working with what Maye has. Sometimes the play calling gets too conservative.

Terrell Austin's health is a concern, defense could really use a DC to take it to the next level. Zak Kurr filling in nicely.

ST and OL coaching have been A+. Just outstanding.

Overall:

The pendulum is swinging up. This is not a bottom 10 team. Right now I'd see them in the top 10-15 range. There will undoubtedly be some growing pains, but with coaching, eperience, and some personnel upgrades this. team has perennial top 10, and possibly top 5, potential.

That's it.

 

[Triumph]

Great Post to your closing question another RB on somebody's roster: and another Decent WR. Mike Vrabel values WR play.

Id like a bigger RB for the goal line and tough yards.

 

[PatsFan2]

Ahead of schedule. I expected to be 2-3 at this point with a couple of ugly wins from the Oakland/miami/carolina games. Thought Maye would be struggling a little but managing just enough in the new offense right now. Even though its only one game above that record wise, its a very bullish plus one when you consider:

- One win was a blowout, the thought of this team scoring 42 against ANYONE was the furthest thing from my mind seeing how our passing offense looked in preseason.

-One loss was due to a 5:1 turnover ratio and it STILL came down to the last drive. And it was against a probable playoff team.

- We were without Gonzo 3 of those games

We are way ahead of schedule. Drake is playing like a top 10 qb. Diggs is playing like a top 5 wr less than 1 year after an acl tear. The defense with all the new acquisitions has gelled already and playing to its potential the last couple weeks. Wasn’t expecting any of that this soon, hoping it continues to the plus side overall, but surely there will be some setbacks along the way.

Improvements needed:

1) Rb. Rham is a big key, you need him to be the guy you paid for after the first 3 seasons. Our offense would be pretty scary with a legit run game. Its hard to feel confident in Rham though, one bad year okay… but he is on pace to have MORE fumbles this year. Its alarming. and how do we expect him to be a playmaker again when the ball security issues are clearly going to be in his head. Possibly Henderson eventually makes an impact allowing rham to be more complimentary. Wonder who we bring in as rb3, id be pretty much okay with anyone but hasty lol

2) Need more out of pop douglas. Had a couple catches at least sunday and he may have been the one maye was going to hit for a td before the half when the ball was tipped so that could be progress. Would love to see kyle Williams become a factor at some point.

3) Lb play and more edge rush beyond landry/chiasson. Not sure if that comes this year. Gibbens has been starting to play more. At edge i think someone needs to become a solid #3 in terms of getting to the qb. White is a dud, Jennings is mostly a run stopper. Ponder had some hype but havent seen much out of him there.

4) more consistency at fs. Hawkins has been good and bad, sometimes really bad. He may improve but it is probably one of the needs next year.

I feel like this start proves 10-11 wins is very possible this year. if all continues as is plus we have even half as good an offseason next year as we did this year we’ll be actual contenders in 26.

Rham should be our Third Down RB his Blocking and pass Catching we can use. Some RB is rotting away somewhere: Ryan Cowden go get him.

 

[Triumph]

With Vrabel, its definitely an Us vs You circle the wagons type team.

Vrabes wasted no time ripping McDermott for crapping on the Pats win and blaming the Refs. Its sad that Buffalo has that type of HC because it breeds a victim mentality. Bills fans are claiming that Allen cant win if Hochuli is refing the game. So, the whole SNF game was a set up for the Bills to lose from the beginning.

 

[ErniesPinkStripes]

With Vrabel, its definitely an Us vs You circle the wagons type team.

Vrabes wasted no time ripping McDermott for crapping on the Pats win and blaming the Refs. Its sad that Buffalo has that type of HC because it breeds a victim mentality. Bills fans are claiming that Allen cant win if Hochuli is refing the game. So, the whole SNF game was a set up for the Bills to lose from the beginning.

Crybaby b*tches can take a hike.

Win something you morons - fk that franchise. The arrogance of the Bildos is hilarious

 

[PatsFan2]

With Vrabel, its definitely an Us vs You circle the wagons type team.

Vrabes wasted no time ripping McDermott for crapping on the Pats win and blaming the Refs. Its sad that Buffalo has that type of HC because it breeds a victim mentality. Bills fans are claiming that Allen cant win if Hochuli is refing the game. So, the whole SNF game was a set up for the Bills to lose from the beginning.

McDermott knows Vrabel is not Mayo or the latter BB: who he Outcoached easily. Imagine if we swept em in the season series: who would have thunk it in 2025?? I was little apprehensive about Mike; because I wanted an Offensive HC: but you can clearly see that Vrabel's got "it".

 

[TommyD4207]

With Vrabel, its definitely an Us vs You circle the wagons type team.

Vrabes wasted no time ripping McDermott for crapping on the Pats win and blaming the Refs. Its sad that Buffalo has that type of HC because it breeds a victim mentality. Bills fans are claiming that Allen cant win if Hochuli is refing the game. So, the whole SNF game was a set up for the Bills to lose from the beginning.

Loser franchise, loser mentality.

 

[Triumph]

Crybaby b*tches can take a hike.

Win something you morons - fk that franchise. The arrogance of the Bildos is hilarious

 

[Triumph]

 

[NFL Mystique]

Must keep in mind that things are not linear.

Maye could blowout the Saints. Then, turnaround and put up a stinker against the Titans. Each game will be different. But, the Patriots should not look at drafting a QB anytime soon.

 

[mayoclinic]

Hunter Henry Shares ‘Big Emphasis’ for Mike Vrabel’s Patriots

The New England head coach has his team buying into his play style, and it’s paying off.

www.si.com

 

[Ring 6]

After the other night, we're now a playoff contender and have to keep acting and thinking like one. There will be intense competition for those 3 WC spots. The best scenario is to win the division, but if we don't:
- there could be 2 WC teams from the West among Denver-LAC-KC
- there could 1 WC team from the South (Indy or Jax)
- if they all finish ahead of us, we're out

So after blowing the Pitt game, we don't have the luxury of doing it again and MUST beat these next 4 opponents: @NO, @Tenn, Cleveland, Atlanta. At 7-2, concede a loss @TB, then win the next 3 vs Jets, @Cin, Giants and we'd be at 10-3 and close to clinching with 4 games left.

You don’t concede losses.

 

[Ring 6]

Must keep in mind that things are not linear.

Maye could blowout the Saints. Then, turnaround and put up a stinker against the Titans. Each game will be different. But, the Patriots should not look at drafting a QB anytime soon.

The team could do that. I really doubt Maye will put up a game he cant win. He could play poorly early, but I I don’t see him not getting it fixed. The arm and the decision making and the determination is just too good.

We could lose a game because he ****s up a play, but we aren’t losing games because the qb sucked.

 

[Ring 6]

Offense:

One of the best things about Maye is that, like Mahomes and Allen or vintage Aaron Rodgers, he's at his most dangerous when flushed out of the pocket. That's hard to plan for.

Give Maye a pocket, and I think he will eventually be 90% Tom Brady. He can make all the throws, and he is accurate enough to work with small windows. His processing speed and reads need to improve, and when he is over-hyped his accuracy can drift, but those will come over time. He will sometimes try to do too much and make mistakes, but he will cut those down. When forced to scramble, he will crush teams by improvising. I think he could be another Aaron Rodgers (but not a douche).

Henry, Diggs, Boutte and Henderson is a good start. Hope Williams develops. We need a better complement to Henderson and an alpha X (think Jordy Nelson for Aaron Rodgers), but we are not that far away from having a really strong set of weapons. Could use an upgrade at RB opposite Henderson.

The OL is coming along nicely, no longer a sieve. Will Campbell has been a revelation, could become our Trent Williams. Wilson will be a 10 year starter at LG or C, has Joe Thuney potential. Bradbury has exceeded expectations. The right side has been adequate, but could use an upgrade.

Overall, this is a 25+ PPH top 10 offense. In a year, with some growth and a few additions/upgrades, it could be a top 5 offense.

Defense:

The interior DL is the strength of the unit. Williams-Barmore is elite, a load for any opponent to deal with. They wrecked a good Buffalo OL. They are playing up to their big contracts. Tonga-Farmer great depth. I would like a penetrating DL for depth.

EDGE is adequate. Landry has done well. Chaisson is adequate. Keion White will probably never reach his potential. I would love to trade for Kayvon Thibodeaux or get an EDGE in FA.

The LBs are ok at best, but weak compared to the rest of the unit (other than S). Spillane is solid most of the time. Ellis doesn't cut it. Would prefer Givvens and Mapu as #3/4 guys. Could really use an alpha LB opposite Spillane.

S, along with LB, is a weak group. Woodson is coming along nicely, but that is it. Hawkins is a liability, Dugger not likely to show more. A starting S with range and versatility opposite Woodson is a priority. The 2026 draft is loaded at S, and I hope to see this unit upgraded in 2026.

Gonzalez, Davis and Jones are a very strong CB group. Jones needs to get an extension. I would like a 3rd outside CB for depth.

The unit has done well overall given Gonzalez' injury and Austin being out. It could benefit from coaching. it is a top 10 unit, with the potential to be top 5 by 2026.

Special Teams:

This unit has been outstanding, and should get better.

K, P, and LS hopefully set for the long term. Borregales starting to step up. He and Barringer both have live legs.

Schooler has been getting double teamed a lot.

Jones and Henderson as dangerous a return combo as you will find. Need another KR with Gibson out.

Well coached unit, should make complementary football a staple.

Coaching:

Outstanding. Hope this will be stable.

In 9 months Vrabel has upgraded the roster, established a culture, and built an identity. Amazing. He is very methodical, focused, and even-keeled - he keeps his intensity under control. He is both a hardass and a player's coach.

I haven't been a McDaniels fan, but he is showing the ability to adapt. Lots more play action, starting to adjust to Maye's strength. I was worried that he would try to mold Maye into Tom Brady, but he seems to be working with what Maye has. Sometimes the play calling gets too conservative.

Terrell Austin's health is a concern, defense could really use a DC to take it to the next level. Zak Kurr filling in nicely.

ST and OL coaching have been A+. Just outstanding.

Overall:

The pendulum is swinging up. This is not a bottom 10 team. Right now I'd see them in the top 10-15 range. There will undoubtedly be some growing pains, but with coaching, eperience, and some personnel upgrades this. team has perennial top 10, and possibly top 5, potential.

That's it.

If this is a top 10-15 team (and I agree it’s) with the schedule we have it should win 12+ games.


Great post btw

 

[BobDigital]

I wull add this. I would love to be in position to not just make the playoffs but control who is played a little. Please give me Indy Jax or Pitt! I want no part of KC or LAC. I want to face a subpar QB

If I could pick my opponent, it be Pitt. I think we have a good chance of knocking them out and I'd like to set the record straight. The AFC is kind of weak this year, so it is possible the Pats get 2 games deep with the right opponent. Id love to see that.

As for the Pats in Q1. Fantastic start. Ahead of schedule. Spillane has been better recently and it is as much him as the coaching. Whoever the LB next to him is a problem. Just how bad of one. Looking at the contract they gave Elliss and his play annoys me. The one big FA miss this year, thankfully they can part ways fast.

The main issue this team has right now is a talent issue among their young players in many positions. Ponder, Swinson and Farmer have not lived up to any of the draft or preseason hype as of yet. Though Farmer is the best of the 3 so far.

They need youth and depth on the edge and it hasn't worked out yet. They also need help in the skill position areas.

Henderson, let's face it, has been underwhelming compared to his hype. He isn't bad, but we aren't seeing many big plays. He was supposed to be a threat to score on every play, and he hasn't been that. Is he just a good rotational guy or can he be more? I know the run blocking hasn't been amazing, but still.

As for WR. Williams hasn't done much yet and Chism hasn't even been given a chance.

We need a few of these guys to step up if the Pats want to continue improving.

Here is the question we should ask. Who still has room to improve on this team and how much? A lot of our guys are already capped. What we saw against the Bills is more or less the best they can play right now minus mistakes and penalties. We can take about ahead of schedule... But besides health what exactly is on that schedule right now if some of the guys I named don't make strides?

 

[mayoclinic]

I think 5 games is too soon to evaluate the rookies.

Campbell, Wilson and Woodson have been playing so far above their rookie status, the expectation is unfair.

Ponder was a UDFA, Swinson a 5th round pick. Farmer has been promising as a rotational DT.

James White was considered a bust as a rookie, IIRC.