The New England Patriots hired Mike Vrabel as head coach and added high-profile free agents during the offseason. The team also holds a top draft pick.
These moves have shifted attention away from New England’s four-win season in 2024.
The Patriots roster is in better shape with a more experienced coach. But questions remain about whether the team can actually make the playoffs this season.
Much of the optimism centers on quarterback Drake Maye. The second-year player won just one start as a rookie but showed promising skills similar to Buffalo’s Josh Allen.
Young quarterbacks typically improve in their second season. Maye’s leadership development off the field is also drawing praise from teammates.
Running back Rhamondre Stevenson highlighted Maye’s growth during a recent interview with NFL Network’s Kay Adams.
“Maye is more comfortable. He’s more of a leader—he’s taken that step of getting us all on the right page. I think that’s great. He got us all together and brought us to his hometown, and we got some work in and had fun.”
Maye’s increased confidence could help him on the field. As a rookie, he sometimes appeared to lack trust in his offensive line and receivers.
If Maye develops that trust, he has the potential for a breakout season.
The Patriots hype might be getting ahead of reality. But the team has the pieces to become competitive in the AFC.
