ESPN's latest puzzling proclamation about the Patriots is bound to backfire

Apparently, adding a three-time Pro Bowl receiver, the NFL's reigning interception leader, and a former first-round offensive lineman won't be enough for the New England Patriots to avoid a sizable step back coming off their surprising Super Bowl run.

In fact, despite making marked upgrades at several key positions and drafting three players who should play important roles this season, the Patriots earned the No. 2 spot on the "Five Least Improved Teams" section of a recent ESPN offseason buzz piece published on June 1.

Here's the reasoning behind New England's ranking:

"Last year, the Patriots had the fourth-easiest schedule since 1977 by average DVOA of opponent. In 2026, their schedule projects to be roughly average. That's a big difference. It's also reasonable to expect some statistical regression from the offense after the massive step forward quarterback Drake Maye took in 2025, even if he will now have wide receiver A.J. Brown to target."

Of course, at this time last year, nobody could have predicted the Patriots would be a force in the AFC. Anyone who had Mike Vrabel's team on their schedule (a team coming off back-to-back 4-13 seasons, mind you) surely didn't expect to face a much-improved squad led by a legitimate MVP candidate.

Coming off essentially the polar-opposite finish, will it be challenging for the Patriots to go 14-3 again? Of course.

But to put them in the "least improved" category citing the strength of schedule and a reasonable "statistical regression from the offense" ignores the work Eliot Wolf and the front office did this offseason to fill holes and improve the roster.

The Patriots addressed their biggest need this offseason

First and foremost: The Patriots landed a true No. 1 receiver in A.J. Brown. The trade that everyone expected to come to fruition finally did, and the former Philadelphia Eagles star gives Drake Maye a bona fide weapon with a championship pedigree.

It's no secret Brown wanted to be in New England, and now he's reunited with his former head coach in a system run by Josh McDaniels—arguably the best offensive coordinator of his era.

Let's not forget the Patriots also fortified their receiver room with Romeo Doubs. He may not be a superstar, but the former Green Bay Packer should excel as a complementary piece in an offense that should be more diverse in 2026.

After all, the backfield should be more effective with former Buffalo Bills fullback Reggie Gilliam paving the way for the two-headed tandem of Rhamondre Stevenson and TreVeyon Henderson.

Plus, rookie third-round pick Eli Raridon should play a prominent role as the No. 2 tight end behind Hunter Henry in the wake of free-agent signee Julian Hill's season-ending knee injury.

New England's offense looks prime for improvement

Plus, the offensive line should be better than it was a year ago, when it relied on two rookie starters. Not only do Will Campbell and Jared Wilson have valuable experience under their belts, but they'll have Alijah Vera-Tucker in the huddle with them alongside veteran mainstays in Mike Onwenu and Morgan Moses.

Vera-Tucker comes with major durability concerns, but he also possesses Pro Bowl upside, and he may finally fill the void left by Joe Thuney.

All of that adds up to an offense with better weapons, more depth, and overall talent along the offensive line, and a third-year quarterback who will be more comfortable in his second season of running McDaniels' offense.

Obviously, you must account for injuries, and the Patriots were remarkably lucky in that department a year ago. But, at least on paper, the offense should take a step forward with a more versatile collection of skill players.

Maybe Maye won't finish as the MVP runner-up again... or maybe he will capture that coveted award, considering he'll be throwing to Brown, Doubs, and perhaps even Kayshon Boutte, if he sticks around.

The arrow is pointing up on defense, too

Moving to the other side of the ball, the Patriots also look better on paper after swapping K'Lavon Chaisson for Dre'Mont Jones. Jones, one of the team's key free-agent signings, is a more well-rounded player than Chaisson, who brings solid pass-rush pop but limited effectiveness against the run.

The veteran has played multiple spots throughout his career, including defensive tackle, defensive end, and outside linebacker. That versatility should make him a valuable cog for a Patriots front seven that includes defensive tackles Milton Williams and Christian Barmore and seasoned edge rusher Harold Landry.

Plus, fans should be excited about second-round pick Gabe Jacas, who should play a valuable role on third downs, especially since the team traded up to secure him on Day 2. A tough, aggressive player who profiles similarly to former Patriots star Matthew Judon, Jacas has a clear path to playing time given his skills and the current state of the depth chart.

Oh, and a secondary that was among the league's best a year ago now has another former Vrabel guy in veteran safety Kevin Byard (who led the NFL with seven picks in 2025) patrolling the back end.

The Byard-Craig Woodson duo and three-headed cornerback group of Christian Gonzalez, Carlton Davis III, and Marcus Jones should be a tough matchup for opposing quarterbacks, especially if the pass rush takes a step forward.

The Patriots are in a better position than they were a year ago

Look, nobody expected Mike Vrabel to take one of the NFL's worst teams to the playoffs, let alone the Super Bowl, in year one. And few franchises know how difficult it is to repeat that success and get back to playing for the Lombardi Trophy like the Pats.

But in the wake of their lopsided loss to the Seattle Seahawks (who ranked No. 1 on ESPN's "Least Improved" rankings), the Patriots clearly attacked the offseason with intent, and by any objective analysis, the roster is better than it was at this time a year ago.

Expecting another Super Bowl run may be a bit optimistic, but putting the Patriots in the second slot in the "least improved" teams seems short-sighted based solely on the strength of schedule. And expecting the offense to regress despite making upgrades at every position group (while also suffering no major loss other than No. 2 tight end Austin Hooper) doesn't add up, either.

Ultimately, "improvement" is subjective. But poll Patriot Nation and ask if the team improved its chances of winning this offseason, and I bet it would be an unequivocal "yes."

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