What counts as "success" this year

What's your goal for the season and at what point will you be able to be happy with the outcome

Myself, I think this roster is playoff worthy provided Stidham doesn't crap the bed. Might be a dogfight with the Bills, but I think we've got a decent shot at the division, however, I can't expect the division.

Playing 16 games.

Not dying

1) A season to begin with.
2) Studarm having “it.”
3) Development of young players.

I can't think of a tangible metric, but for me the most important thing I want to see is the team improve as the year goes on. It's been one of the hallmarks of the franchise for the past 20 years. Except for the years where there were a slew of significant injuries, we came to expect the team to be firing on all cylinders by December. If I see that, I'll be happy because it will probably mean two things: 1) Stidham has potential, and 2) A large enough portion of the team's success was due to Belichick that, should Stidham or whoever grow adequately, we'll be right back in it for 2021 and beyond.

And hey, if they want to pull a 2001 and win the SB out of nowhere, I'd take that too

Sign me up for repeat of the Cassel year where team and QB looked like they were about to peak in December.

If Stidham (assuming he’s the guy) looks like a QB that is going to stick as a starter then fly the W.

11-5 AFCCG app/L.

Stidham surprises, D carrys us in the playoffs.

We fire off in 2021.

Bradyking12 said:

11-5 AFCCG app/L.

Stidham surprises, D carrys us in the playoffs.

We fire off in 2021.

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The best thing about a scenario like that? It will be a treat to be in the AFCCG. There is no expectation to win. Those teams are the ones that no other team wants to play in January.

If Jarrett Stidham looks like a top 10 NFL QB in the making the season is a total triumph no matter what else happens.

If he looks more like Giovanni Carmazzi than Steve Young we're in for a rough ride.

Sicilian said:

I can't think of a tangible metric, but for me the most important thing I want to see is the team improve as the year goes on. It's been one of the hallmarks of the franchise for the past 20 years. Except for the years where there were a slew of significant injuries, we came to expect the team to be firing on all cylinders by December. If I see that, I'll be happy because it will probably mean two things: 1) Stidham has potential, and 2) A large enough portion of the team's success was due to Belichick that, should Stidham or whoever grow adequately, we'll be right back in it for 2021 and beyond.

And hey, if they want to pull a 2001 and win the SB out of nowhere, I'd take that too

Click to expand...

Agree. 2019 the 12-4 Pats team lost THREE games in December. Totally opposite trajectory for a traditional BB/TB team.

Da Pats beat the Jets 273 to 9

There's a very underrated record that the Patriots hold, which is not being swept by a division opponent since 2002. That needs to hold up.

Winning record.

We're spoiled around here.

In general I would say success is 9-7 or better. That's a winning record. You should be getting better with eye towards the ultimate prize. And you shouldn't have too many of these in a row or you might just be toiling.

That said with the success this team is used to I think 10-6 or better.

I think somehow we still pull out 11 wins.

Winning more than 5 games. The division is so bad, they could rack up close to 5 just from that. But once they go out of the division is when they could be in trouble with most teams.

I voted .500 or better and Stidham shows promise but I would revise that to the TEAM shows promise. As long as they play hard, take coaching, continue to be the smartest franchise in the league I can handle a down year because that’s entertaining too. Honestly one of my favorite teams was 2008 because there were zero expectations. Yeah they lost to every winning team they faced but by the end of the year they were shaping up to be a tough out for anyone. That’s all I want to see this year to deem it a success because I understand the strategy of clearing cap space and taking lots of young players to see if any of them are any good. Then reload in a year or two with higher expectations.

I was just rewatching the 2013 SNF game against the Broncos, the down 24-0 at the half, and Eldeman looked so young but had a monster 2nd half. It’s easy to forget where he came from,as 7 years is an eternity in football, and we know what a vital cog he becomes, but it was really interesting hearing them talk about how he was unexpectedly taking over the WR room. How surprising it was that he was making plays. I look forward to that process with all the new players without the pressure of super bowl or bust for Brady.

I think it's going to be a really exciting season. There are a lot of young guys, who will be really hungry to make an impact on this team. Guys from the 2018-20 drafts are going to get a chance, and it'll be great to see what they can do.

And despite Brady leaving, there's still a decent amount of veteran leadership here, that know how to win. Really excited to see guys like Winovich, Stidham, Bentley, Harry, Harris, Cowart, the guys from the 2020 draft and even all the Olinemen we've drafted the last 2 years, can do.

It's a lot of ifs, but I think winning the division isn't out of the question.

sb1 said:

Sign me up for repeat of the Cassel year where team and QB looked like they were about to peak in December.

If Stidham (assuming he’s the guy) looks like a QB that is going to stick as a starter then fly the W.

Click to expand...

i'll take that too, but lets skip the part about missing the playoffs due to a tie breaker.

Any of the below.

Stidham kicks ass and shows he is THE guy
Pats have a winning record
Pats make the playoffs

Stidham showing he can be legit starting qb in this leage and harry a legit #2 type wr, otherwise its a long road ahead especially on the qb end.