The NFL season is about to kick off, and expectations for some teams are high, while others are not so much. Top teams from 2024 will usually be predicted to stay at or near the top, especially if they have that most important of commodities on hand, a franchise quarterback, as the New England Patriots do in Drake Maye.
Teams like the Kansas City Chiefs and the Baltimore Ravens, which boast NFL MVP-level quarterbacks, will always be ranked at or near the very top. Those who've finished at or near the bottom, however, have a long road to climb on most occasions to reverse their fortunes.
One team that's received better than expected predictions in some cases is the Patriots. After finishing at the bottom of the AFC East once again, the team had a lot of work to do to set things right. Fortunately, they hired Mike Vrabel, who's made an enormous difference. He's cleaned house and upgraded his roster all over the field.
Mike Vrabel has regained respect for the Patriots
The Patriots of 2023 and 2024 were cellar-dwellers and an NFL laughingstock. A combined 7-27 record doesn't engender respect. Yet, Vrabel in one offseason has turned that outlook on its head and has the team poised to surprise.
ESPN's Mike Clay has predictions for the 2025 NFL season, and he's targeted the Patriots as an AFC sleeper.
"AFC sleeper alert! The Patriots are much better in nearly all areas compared with last season. After finishing with the fewest sacks in the NFL last season (28), the defense improved by signing DT Milton Williams, edge Harold Landry III, LB Robert Spillane and CB Carlton Davis III. Second-year QB Drake Maye will have wide receiver Stefon Diggs and rookie running back TreVeyon Henderson as options. And Mike Vrabel replaced Jerod Mayo as head coach."
Clay's take on Mike Vrabel's Patriots is a solid one. He correctly pointed out the influence of Vrabel as the head coach, as he is one of the NFL's best and has already proven it, having been named 2021's NFL Coach of the Year. That influence can't be overstated. Vrabel inspires confidence in his team, and that culture shift will breed success.
The Patriots' 2025 offseason has set the stage for a Renaissance
ESPN's Clay astutely pointed out several player additions by Vrabel that are upgrades. There are a number of others. Both the offensive line and the receiver room have had major renovations. Four new starters will appear on the offensive line, including possibly two rookies, left tackle Will Campbell, and Jared Wilson at left guard. Two new receivers could start alongside returnee Pop Douglas.
Vrabel's theme overall on both offense and defense was playmaking. He brought in several playmakers on both sides of the ball. On offense, he drafted running back TreVeyon Henderson and wide receiver Kyle Williams. Both are explosive, home-run hitters who can take a ball to the house on any given play. Undrafted free agent receiver Efton Chism III catches everything thrown his way and makes things happen after. He just has to be given playing time.
On defense, Williams is a pocket-collapsing nightmare, Spillane is a tackling machine, and Carlton Davis III is a lockdown cornerback. While depth is a major drawback, the starting 11s on offense and defense are a mile ahead of 2024. Mike Clay's prediction that the Patriots are a possible AFC sleeper is sound. If they stay healthy, they could be just that and make the playoffs. We'll find out shortly.