Because last seasons offense could not score points or convert 3rd downs forcing the defense back on the field. Brisset was cooked and he was QB for 50% of the 4 wins.
This season, Maye plays all 17 games (hopefully) after he got baptized last season. He made rookie mistakes, but he also proved (to me) that this game is not too big for him. I have to believe that Mickey D is better than Van Pelt even though I though AVP did a good job under the circumstances.
Lets use the 2024 AZ Cards for example.
9 wins
12th ranked offense
15th ranked defense
1000 yd rusher in old James Conner
572 rush yards from Murray
1000 yd TE in McBride
No 1000 yd WRs to speak of
39 total offensive TDs
18 rush TDs
21 pass TDs
Those are not really eye popping numbers by any stretch and a 12 ranked offense is several plays from the top 10 club.
For the 2025 Pats, I foresee - 8 - 9 wins.
Maye only had 338 pass attempts in 2024 compared to Murray who had 541 pass attempts. A deficit of 200.
Brisett had a 59% completion rate and Maye finished with a 66% completion rate. That difference seems insignificant, but its not. Anytime you're completing 2 out of 3 passes you're going to compete in a lot of games.
Henderson is going to blow up this season. Not only rushing, but in the pass game too.
Maye is comparable to Murray in his rushing ability. Not shifty like Murray, but capable of taking off with the ball. I see McDaniels using his rush skills throughout the season because that is just 1 more element that opposing defenses need to gameplan for.
Henry and Hooper can surely combine for 1000 yds.
I believe that we will see a 1000 yd Pats WR for the first time since 2019.
The Pats had only 29 total offensive TDs in 2024. Im certain that number will be larger in 2025.
With the Pats defense improving giving up fewer points, combined with the offense scoring more points, that typically leads to more wins.
