Are we back?

[mikey m]

We have what appears to potentially be the necessary level of talent, leadership, and coaching to be very competitive. Now that all has to grow tother and figure out how each cog fits in the machine. I expect growing pains, maybe some frustrating losses early from lack of chemistry and cohesion at the start. But if things go right, if Maye takes a good step forward as I expect, if Vrabel can get the coaches and team leaders on the same page and the right parts in the right places.. look out.

 

[Ring 6]

TEAM is the key word there, Andy. We put a bunch of new players around Maye, but like I said they are NOT a team ...yet. Also, so many of those guys are SO Young. I sure hope we don't see the best of all those rookies, just like I hope we haven't seen the best of all those guys we saw last year.

Campbell has to prove he can overcome his physical limitations. Wilson has only one year as a full-time starting C, and that is why Bradbury is still important starting out.

Rookies will probably get some starts and rotational run, but you NEVER get to see the best of your draft class in their first year, so while there will be some up moments for them, there will be some painful ones as well there ALWAYS are.

But the thing that really dampers my optimism for playoff results for next year is the fact this is the 3rd different program for these players in 3 years. It takes time to build a program, culture, and roster. It just does. You know it does, Andy.

Do I have HOPES of a playoff run next season. You know I do. But that is NOT how I will judge the progress of this team going forward. So while I very much expect the overall quality of the play will take a leap forward, I do not know yet whether that leap will translate into actual wins. You can play well and still lose games the margin of victory is so small most of the time.

A good veteran team like the Chiefs knows how to win those close games, just like the Pats did back in the day. How many Bills and Jet games did the Pats win when they were outplayed or played evenly for the most part but won in the end. It happened a LOT. Plus you know you need some luck too. Injury luck, bounce luck, timely calls for and against luck. They all factor into the results of a game.

My when you are in a new rebuilding program after 2 previous years of chaos you shouldn't judge the progress of that process, simply by weekly wins or losses. You want the wins of course and hate the losses, but that is NOT the end all and be all of judging the progress.

Other than the rare elite teams who have a deep veteran core and stay on top for 5-7 years every team has tons of turn over and many young players.
In the 70s you built continuity and brought players in, brought them along slowly and molded them into your culture because you have them forever.
With free agency that has changed. Roster turnover is huge every year, starter turnover is huge every year with almost all teams.
IIRC on average half the playoff teams change every year so half of the teams that make the playoffs didn’t make it in continuity or knowing how to win.

Many first year coaches take teams to the playoffs. It’s a fact.
Finally I disagree that the goal is moral victories. Making progress and having excuses for not winning, is losing. Culture is rebuilt every year, there is no decided advantage of being in year 6 of Zac Taylor’s culture vs year 1 of Mike Vrabels.
If they built a team and coaching staff that is playoff caliber they will make the playoffs. If they dont make the playoffs they went wrong somewhere.
Almost half the teams make the playoffs (and we have 8 games against teams who won 5 or fewer games).

Now if you are talking about winning CHAMPIONSHIPS I would agree that experience is an important help.

 

[TomPatriot]

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.

They are 4 wins better than last year. Believe it.

 

[MrBigglesWorth]

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.

And guys who can actually play. Let's see if they can control the line of scrimmage, not make stupid presnap penalties. As vrabel said take advantage of bad football

 

[festy1986]

I never left.

 

[Drunken Cicerone]

I think we double our win total from last season, and 8 wins isn’t sexy or a contender it’s a good start. If things go right they could even sneak into the playoffs. I’d mark that as a huge turnaround

 

[pats99]

Awesome draft. I think we are one year from away from the playoffs, and thats a good thing...

 

[Ring 6]

I think we double our win total from last season, and 8 wins isn’t sexy or a contender it’s a good start. If things go right they could even sneak into the playoffs. I’d mark that as a huge turnaround

We play 8 games against teams that won 5 or fewer games last year.

 

[Sect140]

I think they will be competing for a playoff birth this season. I think we’ll see right away a difference how the team is better coached, fundamentally sound, more aware of in game situations.

I said to my wife I can’t wait until training camp and she said please don’t wish away the summer.

 

[maust]

I think they will be competing for a playoff birth this season. I think we’ll see right away a difference how the team is better coached, fundamentally sound, more aware of in game situations.

I said to my wife I can’t wait until training camp and she said please don’t wish away the summer.

Thankfully my bride is a sports fan but still at least half a dozen times between now and opening kickoff I will get 'the look' followed by the terse command to "STOP WISHING OUR SUMMER AWAY!" Depending on the tone she employs I may or may not respond with "WTH Honey, the Sox have already ruined it"

...usually not

 

[Schmo]

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

I'll yell, "YES!"

Vrabel and Co. exceeded my expectations in FA and the draft. I knew he'd be able to lure defensive FAs, and he nailed it. The main doubt I had was convincing any good offensive FAs to help out. That's why Diggs was an important pickup.

He solidified the offense in the draft and Maye is set up to win games.

Our coaching is the least of my worries. We've played Vrabel's Titans enough to know he's a good coach. McDaniels has coached many of our great offenses. We couldn't be set up for success any more than we have been in the last 3 months.

We are back.

 

[Drunken Cicerone]

We play 8 games against teams that won 5 or fewer games last year.

And probably have the tastiest home schedule I’ve seen in a while.

But it’s the NFL and things change. Vegas has them at 7.5 wins. I think 8 is a legitimate goal, anything less would probably be a disappointment

 

[Ring 6]

And probably have the tastiest home schedule I’ve seen in a while.

But it’s the NFL and things change. Vegas has them at 7.5 wins. I think 8 is a legitimate goal, anything less would probably be a disappointment

8-9 would be a huge disappointment and mean some combination of we lost to crappy teams and couldn’t beat anyone who doesn’t suck

 

[Drunken Cicerone]

8-9 would be a huge disappointment and mean some combination of we lost to crappy teams and couldn’t beat anyone who doesn’t suck

Then bet the house on the over. Vegas usually isn’t far off.

Let us not forget how awful this team was last year. The draft picks need to pan out and the FA need to show up.

 

[Ring 6]

Then bet the house on the over. Vegas usually isn’t far off.

Let us not forget how awful this team was last year. The draft picks need to pan out and the FA need to show up.

It’s a totally different team.

And I plan to but im waiting for playoff odds to come out.

 

[TheRainMaker]

Congrats, you just gave one of the worst takes ever on this site.

Troy Aikman: 0-11 his rookie year
Peyton Manning: 3-13 his rookie year
Steve Young: 2-14 his rookie year
Josh Allen: 5-7 his rookie year
Drew Bledsoe: 5-11 his rookie year

He's in year 2 now. Follow along buddy! Manning won 13 in year 2 (playoffs), Aikman won 7, Allen won 10 (playoffs), Bledsoe won 10 (playoffs). Young was the only won on your list that didn't do much until he went to the 49ers. Your rebuttal is the worst take on this site and only helps me win my argument. Congrats!

Yeah, we'll see how this ages next season if he can't muster at least 8-9 wins and push for the playoffs. The hypocrites such as yourself will be coming out of the woodwork. And the comparisons to players playing in an era that was way better than now is straight up lazy.

Excuses? He has to prove himself to be a good QB before anyone starts making excuses. He was a top prospect and despite the awful year the team had he managed to show why but he still has a very long way to go in his development. Excuses are for guys that have been around and haven't accomplished anything like Stafford he was great and as time told his excuse was valid and Detroit was the problem. Sometimes the excuses are just excuses but no one starts putting that on a player after one season. You're way out of line on this one.

No, I'm not. This is a plug and play league and the Pats have improved tremendously. With another easy schedule, new coaches and players, it's not asking for much for Maye to get at least 8-9 wins and push for a playoff spot when almost half the league has a chance to get in. Funny how much Mac Jones got **** on from day 1 being the 15th overall pick, but posters are white knighting Maye.

 

[FredFromDartmouth]

Yes, on paper the Patriots have a powerful team, but the results depend on injuries since the depth is not yet there. For instance, if the Patriots lost Drake Maye or Will Campbell or Gonzo, they would be big trouble.

A few more drafts last the most recent one and the Patriots should have enough depth to weather the normal amount of injuries, but right now the depth is a concern. Great offseason and step in the right direction.

 

[PatsfanTN]

You're God damn right we are!

 

[TommyD4207]

8-9 would be a huge disappointment and mean some combination of we lost to crappy teams and couldn’t beat anyone who doesn’t suck

8-9 would be a huge step in the right direction.

 

[Ring 6]

8-9 would be a huge step in the right direction.

5-12 would be a step in the right direction.
This team shouldn’t be judged on the 2024 team.
It should not be satisfied with less than a playoff spot.
If you play 8 games against teams that were pathetic, and won 5 or fewer games, none of which seem clearly improved and you only won 8 games that’s not impressive.

We aren’t playing this year to feel good about next year, we are playing this year to win this year.