Since Tom Brady and the New England Patriots parted ways in 2019, the once-dominant franchise has struggled to maintain its relevance and establish a new identity. In 2024, it appeared the franchise had finally hit rock bottom. Jerod Mayo was the supposed heir apparent but looked woefully unprepared for the job, and now another off-season brings more change in the coaching staff. Fans have certainly tempered their expectations, but there is a renewed hope, a reason to ask if the Patriots can win the AFC East.
Last off-season brought with it cautious optimism. Hiring Jerod Mayo and drafting Drake Maye injected the organization with some excitement. Then a week 1 victory in Cincinnati suggested the Patriots might be on the upswing. That would turn out to be the high point, however. The wheels came off quickly, exposing just how dysfunctional the organization had become en route to a 4-win season.
The offense’s struggles were no surprise, especially given Mayo’s indecision around who to commit to at quarterback. The whole world knew they wanted to let Maye sit and learn. For some reason, Mayo would not say it, though, choosing to be elusive and cagey. That schtick might have worked for Belichick, but for Mayo, it just looked like incompetence.
Without a clear direction under center, the offense struggled to find a rhythm. The play calling reflected it, too. Opposing defenses had absolutely zero to fear on the Patriots’ roster. They didn’t stretch the field or make big plays, especially with Brisset under center. The offense was underwhelming, but it was the defensive collapse that came as a total shock to long-time Patriots fans. How could a unit once known for its toughness and resilience have turned into a complete and total sieve?
The defensive problems began up front, where they often do. The Patriots generated virtually no pass rush whatsoever. According to Pro Football Reference, no NFL team was more generous to opposing quarterbacks last season, ranking last in QB pressures. Without pressure, the defense could not make game-changing plays, ranking 30th in takeaways and 29th in negative rushing plays. Most damningly, the Patriots could not get off the field, ranking 26th on third-down conversions. For the last 20-plus years, the Patriots’ defense carried the team through tough patches on offense. Under Mayo’s leadership, or lack thereof, they got worse in every phase of the game.
Offensively, the issues began up front as well. Losing David Andrews early in the season was a huge blow. The offensive line’s inefficiency stunted what should have been a formidable 1-2 punch in the backfield with Rhamondre Stevenson and Antonio Gibson. Despite having a pretty good tandem at TE, the receiving corps was arguably the worst in the NFL. Still, Maye showed significant growth and was arguably the most improved rookie quarterback throughout the season.
The Patriots’ off-season strategy was aimed squarely at shoring up weaknesses up front, on both sides of the ball. The most important player to this entire organization is Maye, and everything they do should be focused on aiding his development. It’s fair to say they have done a good job so far.
The offensive line will look noticeably different, with rookie (4th overall pick) Will Campbell at left tackle, veteran Garret Bradbury anchoring center, and free agent Morgan Moses at right tackle. This revamped offensive line should allow Coordinator Josh McDaniels to design an attack that doesn’t rely solely on getting the ball out of Maye’s hands immediately. Whether or not the former UNC product can take the next step will depend a lot on whether the offensive line can protect him. On paper, it seems promising.
Defensively, the focus was on rebuilding a pass rush. The Patriots’ free agent acquisitions figure to do just that. Milton Williams will bring the ability to disrupt and generate pressure inside. Harold Landry can provide a solid edge rush, and K’Lavon Chaisson figures to be a valuable rotation piece. The defensive scheme will also look a bit different to fans this year under Vrabel’s guidance, as the Patriots figure to penetrate inside instead of two-gapping.
The biggest question surrounding the New England Patriots is: Has the front office done enough to surround Maye with playmakers? Stefon Diggs brings elite-level talent to the receiver corps, but is coming off an ACL injury, so it’s fair to wonder just how impactful he can be. Rookie Kyle Williams is an intriguing player, but will likely need time to get up to speed in McDaniels’ system.
Given the uncertainty in the passing game, New England looks ready to major in rushing the football. They added talented Treveyon Henderson to an already talented backfield. The Patriots appear to be banking on the offensive line holding up and providing a stable foundation for Maye to grow through an effective rushing attack.
McDaniels is known for designing offenses that combine physicality with quick-release passing aimed at ball control. The Patriots will likely complement their run-heavy scheme with an efficient passing game designed to stretch defenses sideline to sideline. Maye’s physical tools give McDaniels a chance to open up the field more than recent quarterbacks in New England have.
On defense, given Vrabel’s pedigree, history, and the infusion of talent, there is reason to be optimistic about the Patriots’ defensive outlook in 2025. While Vrabel’s defenses often favor playing with two split safeties- a schematic shift from previous editions of the New England defense- they will still lean heavily on man coverage with one of the league’s best cornerback duos in Christian Gonzalez and Carlton Davis. Expect the Patriots to blend these approaches, combining versatility with aggressive man-to-man principles.
The New England Patriots have taken significant strides forward from the chaos of 2024. The hiring of Mike Vrabel as head coach energized the fan base. Hiring Josh McDaniels has had a similar effect, and following Vrabel to New England is Defensive Coordinator Terrell Williams, known for his strong background as a defensive line coach. These additions have the Patriots heading into 2025 looking like a smart, young team, built around a promising core. Given the uncertainty with the Dolphins and Tua’s injury history, and the Jets’ organizational dysfunction, they look poised to be the challenger to the Bills’ reign atop the AFC East.
When the schedules came out, the Patriots were listed as favorites in 11 of their 17 matchups. This is truly remarkable for a team that won only four games the previous season and looked overmatched in most of their contests. The oddsmakers are seeing the same thing. There is a tangible sense that they are ready to rise again in the AFC East.
If New England can sweep the Jets and Dolphins, and at least split with the Bills, they will win the AFC East in 2025. Time will tell how deep of a postseason run they can make, but reclaiming their rightful spot atop the division is the first step in returning to prominence.
If you enjoyed this article, subscribe to our newsletter here. Check out Stadium Rant Original shows on our Youtube channel and subscribe! Give our socials Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok a follow for more great content!
