It feels like it's been a century since the Patriots have done much winning, and feels even longer since they experienced the thrill of a Super Bowl run. Although it was only four years ago that they made the postseason in Mac Jones' rookie year, they have taken giant steps backward every season since.
However, that is expected to change now that the Mike Vrabel era has begun, with many current and former Patriots players and analysts setting high expectations for what the former Titans' head coach can accomplish in his first year in New England.
Some have already declared that they will be a playoff contender after the improvements Vrabel has made to the roster, with Super Bowl Champion Lawrence Guy being the latest to join the hype bandwagon for the season ahead.
Belief in the 2025 Patriots keeps rising, as more players hype up a playoff push this season
The former longtime starting defensive tackle made that prediction clear during a recent appearance on "The Jim Rome Show" last week.
It's a take that is becoming more common as the 2025 season continues to near, putting even more pressure on the Vrabel regime to deliver on what many analysts, fans and former players believe is achievable as soon as this fall.
"I think they're going to be in the playoffs."
— Jim Rome (@jimrome) June 12, 2025
Former Patriot @thatLGUY believes Mike Vrabel can turn things around in New England. pic.twitter.com/BOjq9WtrAG
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Besides the obvious benefit of Vrabel being the head coach as reason enough for the Patriots to be successful, Guy emphasizes the players they managed to sign this offseason as further points that will ultimately make them a playoff contender much sooner than anyone anticipated.
He specifically points out the additions of Morgan Moses as the starting right tackle and Will Campbell on the opposite side as some of the biggest reasons for optimism. It's unsurprising, given just how poorly the offensive line performed in 2024, yet Drake Maye overcame that obstacle in a way that still shocks everyone.
Now that he is expected to be well protected, there's reason to believe that Maye will be on fire this season, even more so given who he will have to work with in the receiver room, the backfield, and the impressive tight end duo of Hunter Henry and Austin Hooper. That's on top of having an upgraded defense and a solid group of coaches to further improve them, ultimately putting the team over the top.