PostGame Thread 2025 OFFICIAL POSTGAME THREAD: Patriots improve to 8-2 with win over Bucs

[ViperGTS]

A massive outcome from this game isn't that the Pats are for real. Anyone with half a brain knew that already. It also isn't the fact that Maye is now MVP front runner. No the biggest outcome in my opinion is the fact that Henderson might now become someone a DC has to account for. Ditto for Williams. Now, it's only one game, but I think there is more meat on that bone even for this year.

That is massive for this offense. It's baby steps for now, but today was a big positive step in that direction.

 

[hornetfb85]

On the topic of someone who should be extended. What a find!

Seems like a good plan for the mini bye week coming up after Thursday. Front office needs to get to work on Tonga and Chaisson asap. Hawkins is growing on me as well. Want to get an impact safety in the draft, but Hawkins back would be a benefit as well.

 

[Uptown]

Can’t help notice Landry missing. That was a big $ contract and the only one that looks pretty bad. Decent hit rate though

Agreed. Nice catch.

 

[TommyD4207]

Seems like a good plan for the minibus week coming up after Thursday. Front office needs to get to work on Tonga and Chaisson asap. Hawkins is growing on me as well. Want to get an impact safety in the draft, but Hawkins back would be a benefit as well.

I feel like over the last few weeks Hawkins has earned a spot on the team next year, even if they draft a guy (and I think they will)

 

[Uptown]

 

[Hawaiipatsfan2]

Tonga is the new Fridge. There's a TD in his future.

Watch it be as a TE with a catch. Verbal style.

 

[Uptown]

 

[thecore762]

Drake making plays. The only knock is that int in the end zone.

Henderson was a beast today.
Overall the team has bought into the Vrabel program and playing well.

I do wish McDaniels would have called a more aggressive plan when we were up 21-10.

Either way, great team win. Also happy that the fins beat the turd bills.

 

[Ross12]

A massive outcome from this game isn't that the Pats are for real. Anyone with half a brain knew that already. It also isn't the fact that Maye is now MVP front runner. No the biggest outcome in my opinion is the fact that Henderson might now become someone a DC has to account for. Ditto for Williams. Now, it's only one game, but I think there is more meat on that bone even for this year.

That is massive for this offense. It's baby steps for now, but today was a big positive step in that direction.

I was thinking about this while driving earlier. Defensive coordinators now see that this team has deep speed, and they will need to commit a safety further back who can go make that tackle instead of getting completely roasted for multiple 60-70 yard TDs a game.

That means that there will be more space up front to run the ball, which this offense needs badly.

 

[Mack Herron]

People can hate all they want, but our inability to be more consistent with balanced drives in the 4th qtr WILL hurt us in the playoffs.
Yes, I'm thrilled by the big plays. But, you can't count on 3 50yd+ TD plays against good teams in Dec / Jan.

We would all love to be able to get 4-5 yards every run. And Maye has a lot of room to grow in his pocket awareness. But you should consider they have the best record in the league. And they just beat a good team with big plays. It may not be the conventional approach, but you can’t say it isn’t working. Or that it will stop working in December or January. There are lots of ways to win and if we have to get creative to succeed, I’m all in.

 

[manxman2601]

I feel like over the last few weeks Hawkins has earned a spot on the team next year, even if they draft a guy (and I think they will)

I agree 100%. Him Tonga and maybe Chaisson and Hooper. It also means we don't have to start a rookie from scratch. Continuity and chemistry will be huge for this team.

I only question Chaisson because he might be expensive if he becomes a 10 sack plus a season guy and Hooper because of his age. Hopefully all four come back.

 

[TommyD4207]

Drake making plays. The only knock is that int in the end zone.

Henderson was a beast today.
Overall the team has bought into the Vrabel program and playing well.

I do wish McDaniels would have called a more aggressive plan when we were up 21-10.

Either way, great team win. Also happy that the fins beat the turd bills.

I mean, it's easy to say this.

The other way to look at it, is, running the clock, dominating TOP. They didn't have any 20 second 3-and-outs today. And the defense, when it mattered stood up huge. 16 points before garbage time is pretty damned good against a really good offense.

 

[ViperGTS]

I was thinking about this while driving earlier. Defensive coordinators now see that this team has deep speed, and they will need to commit a safety further back who can go make that tackle instead of getting completely roasted for multiple 60-70 yard TDs a game.

That means that there will be more space up front to run the ball, which this offense needs badly.

Yeah it will open up the offense completely. Maybe thats why they didn't waste trade capital on a WR. They felt good, or very good about what they have in the building. They might be proven right. Once that starts I don't really see how you can stop this offense unless you can win rushing 4. Thats always the key.

 

[n1997y]

Pats are 2 - 0 in the AFCE. The poor Bills are 2 - 2. McDermott may not last the season at this rate.

Are the Pats already back to making opposing coaches look so bad they get fired?

 

[Uptown]

Baker made some brilliant throws today. A few heaters.. Mayfield & Stafford are two of my favorite second tier QBs.

 

[maust]

Are the Pats already back to making opposing coaches look so bad they get fired?

I'd like to think they're closing in on that but let's be honest, McDermott is doing a pretty fair job stoking the fire under his own seat

 

[UrbanCowboy]

We had a get out after one year option on Diggs' contract, albeit costing us 8m in dead money but his leadership is worth his contract.

Who'd have thunk that diggs would be our inspirational leader? Amazing, and he's playing great football. I was one of the Nervous Nellies thinking he would be a problem. I gladly accept my lashes with a wet noodle.

 

[Ras-IR Dowling]

I picked the wrong day to rake leaves....

Understandable. Your two real favorite teams (Philly and Denver) weren’t playing.

 

[farn]

I really hated that INT. But they pulled it off. To me; that is a major takeaway. They had two drives that I really hated - the INT in the endzone & the long TB drive from their own 8 yard line.

Recent NE teams would’ve folded. This one found a way when it mattered. Growth / intensity / desire. There is a lot to like. Even including the mistakes and how they react thereafter.

 

[Hammer of Thor]

I agree 100%. Him Tonga and maybe Chaisson and Hooper. It also means we don't have to start a rookie from scratch. Continuity and chemistry will be huge for this team.

I only question Chaisson because he might be expensive if he becomes a 10 sack plus a season guy and Hooper because of his age. Hopefully all four come back.

I like Hooper in the passing game, but he’s the most expendable of the bunch. Imagine replacing him with Otton and getting someone who can help blocking as well? Neither Henry nor Hooper are particularly good at it.