Patriots 2025-26 Schedule Released

[TommyD4207]

You've been pretty down on this team this off season, DPF.

This team had likely the worst roster in the league last year, and was a 1-win team that lucked their way into 4 wins.
Yes, the team is better. Let's pump the brakes on playoffs until we see some product on the field. Maye made some good throws last year, but let's not pretend he was 1st-team all pro, and didn't have more turnovers than TDs, and struggled to stay on the field. Oh, and won all of 1 game.

Thinking this is a 7-win team isn't exactly a downer statement, imo, it's pretty realistic - and also a big improvement over a year ago.

 

[TommyD4207]

Disagree. September games in Miami are Automatic losses.

All games in Miami are automatic losses.
I'd much rather have them here in January, then have to go down there.

 

[signbabybrady]

This team had likely the worst roster in the league last year, and was a 1-win team that lucked their way into 4 wins.
Yes, the team is better. Let's pump the brakes on playoffs until we see some product on the field. Maye made some good throws last year, but let's not pretend he was 1st-team all pro, and didn't have more turnovers than TDs, and struggled to stay on the field. Oh, and won all of 1 game.

Thinking this is a 7-win team isn't exactly a downer statement, imo, it's pretty realistic - and also a big improvement over a year ago.

 

[PatsfanTN]

Liked Martin's BBQ when I was there. Recommended by our Uber driver. Easy walk to Broadway. Also like Aldean's with 2 floors of live music and one of those is the rooftop patio.

Meh, not a Martins fan. Edleys is legit. The brisket tacos are so damn good

 

[signbabybrady]

Meh, not a Martins fan. Edleys is legit. The brisket tacos are so damn good

Peg leg porker I think that was the BBQ I ate and I remember it being really good. We had Hatties hot chicken too and that was good.

 

[KCSVEN]

Maye vs Jackson will be an interesting game

 

[KCSVEN]

Thinking this is a 7-win team isn't exactly a downer statement, imo, it's pretty realistic - and also a big improvement over a year ago.

It's realistic in that the over/under is 7.5 wins but that's because the 7.5 is based on bettors and many fans look at the Pats as a bad team. It's more realistic to look at games they are favored in.

They are favored in 11 games. The schedule is ranked 30th. Even knowing pre-season rankings are not always accurate 30th is still pretty low.

The biggest thing they have going for them is the division.
Jets and Dolphins are not likely going to be good.
Bills have Josh Allen so there's that.

Just going 4-2 in the division goes a long way toward a winning record.

The depth is the biggest question mark, you hope that's better with all the draft picks and UDFA maybe they can find some guys to provide depth. Injuries will be the one thing that could get them 7 wins but barring that they should be in wild card contention.

Sometimes you just have to go with how things look and feel.
There was a ton of trepidation and questioning of Mayo and the front office and the players last year.
It was all "HOPE things work out but it doesn't look good " feel to it.

SOOOOO different this year, Vrabel has proven success, Josh is a proven OC. They signed the best defensive free agent, signed Diggs. The draft made so much sense. It's not rose-colored glasses; it just is better. The feel of it, the vibe, EVERYTHING is better, and it all says this is a good team.

I also believe Drake Maye might be a top 5 QB this year, if he is, it's playoffs for sure.

 

[borisman]

The over 7.5 wins now comes at a premium price as well so if you can somehow get -110 do it. Do it now!

 

[TommyD4207]

I also believe Drake Maye might be a top 5 QB this year, if he is, it's playoffs for sure.

Sure.
What if he's not? What if he's a top-25 QB and just has limited improvement in year 2? What's more likely?

Drake Maye could very well turn out like you think he will. But I think it's incredibly optimistic to just assume he will, with no actual evidence.

 

[Tunescribe]

That’s a late bye…ew

That's OK, sets them up for the stretch run. They do have a mini-bye after the Thursday night Jete game. My only quibbles: week two in the Miami sweatbox and just one home game in October (my favorite month).

 

[signbabybrady]

Sure.
What if he's not? What if he's a top-25 QB and just has limited improvement in year 2? What's more likely?

Drake Maye could very well turn out like you think he will. But I think it's incredibly optimistic to just assume he will, with no actual evidence.

I've typed up the slow our role post a few times and can't get myself to post it. He's got a lot to prove and a long way to go for sure but I wouldn't say no actual evidence.

We all got to watch how he performed despite no line, little from WRs, and a couple good TEs and there is plenty to interpret. I think in most peoples mind they saw enough to get excited about where the ceiling is and also raise the floor as well. Top 5 is pretty lofty expectations but we've seen the talent and I think he's already shown better than top 25 top 15 at least.

 

[ExeterSportsGuy]

So if you want to enjoy the downtown stuff, I’d look at staying right downtown. Uber wherever you want to go. Kid rocks bar is one of the better ones downtown imo. Edleys BBQ is damn good. Be prepared to battle the bachelorette parties.
Public transportation is minimal, everyone drives here.
When you get serious about going, feel free to pm me any questions and I can try and help you out

Thank you. Discussing options with a friend and should know soon if we're doing it or not. I'll PM once confirmed

 

[TomPatriot]

This team had likely the worst roster in the league last year, and was a 1-win team that lucked their way into 4 wins.
Yes, the team is better. Let's pump the brakes on playoffs until we see some product on the field. Maye made some good throws last year, but let's not pretend he was 1st-team all pro, and didn't have more turnovers than TDs, and struggled to stay on the field. Oh, and won all of 1 game.

Thinking this is a 7-win team isn't exactly a downer statement, imo, it's pretty realistic - and also a big improvement over a year ago.

They were also lost several close games they could have won. I think that gives them at least 7 wins under this coaching staff with better players. To me 10-7 is actually doable.

Then again what happens if Drake gets hurt?

 

[Real fan 02]

7 wins. You people are wildly optimistic.

I have them at 4 loses.
Ravens, Bills, dolphins, and last game of the season.. we will have made a playoff berth so the final game won't really matter much.

 

[pazrul72]

Sure.
What if he's not? What if he's a top-25 QB and just has limited improvement in year 2? What's more likely?

Drake Maye could very well turn out like you think he will. But I think it's incredibly optimistic to just assume he will, with no actual evidence.

I hear what you're saying and even agree with it to a certain extent, Maye does have things he needs to clean up and improve. Turnover worthy plays, too much hero ball, and staying in the flow of the game making the right decision 90% of the time. All of that said keep in mind he is only 22 and hasnt even grown into his man body yet. He played behind the worst oline in the NFL and it wasnt even close. They were historically awful in both run and pass where most lines have at least something they do well. They have 3 new starters and add Strange back to the mix which means they really should be at least average. The fact that Maye made even 3-5 wow throws a game behind that sieve of a line speaks volumes about his potential. Hate McDaniels the HC all you want, its deserved, but he is one hell of an OC. They are going to be able to mask weaknesses better and attack opponents soft spots in a way they havent for years. There is a ton to be reasonably optimistic about and i agree with the guy who said he already showed he is at least top 15.

Edit: i forgot to add the thing that gives me the most hope for Maye. Mac Jones is a fine qb when everything goes according to plan, 3, 5 step drop hit the first read thats open where they are supposed to be, he can do that. His issues were when that didnt happen he panicked and threw some of the dumbest passes ive ever seen a NFL Qb make. Maye is the anti Mac, his poise was way better then advertised. Being able to keep calm and go thru your reads with bodies flying around is probably the most important skill a qb can have. I never saw Maye panic. Push too hard and try to do too much? Sure. But the kid has balls of steel and no fear

 

[KCSVEN]

Sure.
What if he's not? What if he's a top-25 QB and just has limited improvement in year 2? What's more likely?

Drake Maye could very well turn out like you think he will. But I think it's incredibly optimistic to just assume he will, with no actual evidence.

100's of hours of tape study and analysis on past QB's to determine the odds of NFL success is not based on nothing.
Based on the odds it's incredibly likely he's a top 10 QB.
Based on the detailed analysis it puts him into the top 5 conversation.
Top 25 with limited improvement is a very low % chance but, of course, not impossible, 1% maybe? Probably lower than that though.

The hold back was talent around him and, more importantly, coaching. Both are huge upgrades.

I'm not sure he's not in the top 10 already

Most would say
Jackson, Allen, Mahomes, Herbert, Daniels, Mayfield, Hurts, Stroud, Goff, Stafford.

I could argue he's better than several of them. Stroud, Smith, Murray, Love, Nix?

Maye is already in the top 15 for sure.

Patriots were 31 in Pass Block and 32 in run block and 30th in receivers per PFF

 

[Steve102]

Sure.
What if he's not? What if he's a top-25 QB and just has limited improvement in year 2? What's more likely?

Drake Maye could very well turn out like you think he will. But I think it's incredibly optimistic to just assume he will, with no actual evidence.

I think it's reasonable assume a slight improvement; 3400 yards with low 20's TDs and a reduction in INTs. That's just taking his numbers over his season last year and extrapolating it over 17 games. I am assuming a reduction in INTs because he's got a better OC now, maybe the best one in the game today. He should be able to coach him up. If he can not turn the ball over and get under 10 picks, they'll win more than they lose. If they do that, then they'll be in the hunt.

From my point view, they've been unwatchable for the last two seasons. Simply being better coached and the influx of what we assume is upgraded talent should make them at the very least competitive every week.

 

[Real fan 02]

I think it's reasonable assume a slight improvement; 3400 yards with low 20's TDs and a reduction in INTs. That's just taking his numbers over his season last year and extrapolating it over 17 games. I am assuming a reduction in INTs because he's got a better OC now, maybe the best one in the game today. He should be able to coach him up. If he can not turn the ball over and get under 10 picks, they'll win more than they lose. If they do that, then they'll be in the hunt.

From my point view, they've been unwatchable for the last two seasons. Simply being better coached and the influx of what we assume is upgraded talent should make them at the very least competitive every week.

They project to have a very balanced offense predicated of the run.. being able to move the LOS and run the rock provides so much for Drake and the offense to be able to do. What a staple of a good offense is would be staying out of 3rd and long and trying to avoid 3rd down.. that would mean big plays. With the combination of Josh's play calling, Drakes abilities, and his weapons.. we should be a top 10 offense this season.

 

[Steve102]

They project to have a very balanced offense predicated of the run.. being able to move the LOS and run the rock provides so much for Drake and the offense to be able to do. What a staple of a good offense is would be staying out of 3rd and long and trying to avoid 3rd down.. that would mean big plays. With the combination of Josh's play calling, Drakes abilities, and his weapons.. we should be a top 10 offense this season.

I think that's a big assumption. The things I am looking for is winning the LoS on both sides, playing mental error free, winning the time of possession battle and improvement in third down efficiency and red zone efficiency. I think having a top 10 offense is predicated on top skill players, IE; RB, WR, and TE. I think they'll be able to run the ball, and that, to your point, opens up so much more.

There was a cliche years ago that the first team to 20 points was going to win, at least when it came to Pats games. I think that's going to be key this year. I think this defense should be able to old opponents down in the upper teens and low 20s often, so they won't have to score a **** ton to get them ranked higher in overall offensive ranking. A top defense and an efficient offense that doesn't turn the ball over is a winning formula.

 

[Vindicate]

I'm seriously looking at Cinci for a road game.

3rd time. Don't stay at the Marriot in Covington, KY. The KY is for when they bend you over for parking.

Maye vs Burrow would be a nice match-up. Cinci clearly has the WRs to light it up. Maye will have to be on his A game to compete.

I live in Cincinnati and am thinking of going depending on ticket prices. Should be a good game. Quick recommendations:

Residence Inn/The Phelps has a great rooftop bar with solid view, great to visit (I've never stayed there, though)

Sleepy Bee for breakfast, just be sure to get there close to open. Worth it.

Mita's for Spanish & Latin American fare, tapas and ceviche (nice dinner option), Nada is a good comp and can be more casual.

Sotto for the only legit, but truly top shelf Italian in Cincinnati (again, nice dinner - definitely need reservations, but can still keep the bill reasonable).

Findlay Market is a great walk-around, sample everything kinda spot.

SUndry and Vice is a good bar, as is The Lackmann, then stuff on the banks is typical sports bar vibes.

Happy to give more recommendations, I used to work at a magazine here and have spent a lot of time getting familiar with the area! Everything I listed is within the downtown area's railcar loop (and therefore, the downside is, they're not exactly cheap).