The New England Patriots' back-to-back 4-13 seasons were uncharacteristic for a franchise that had sat at the top of the league for two decades and won six Super Bowls in that time. It was a dramatic fall from grace that many expected, yet was far worse than imagined, which fortunately opened the door for Mike Vrabel to come in and turn things around.
He has already accomplished that, no matter how the 2025 season ends, because most analysts projected the Patriots would maybe double last season's win record. And while they've done that and then some, there are still doubters expressing disbelief in what this team can really accomplish, prompting some players to relive the preseason narratives they certainly heard.
Although they have historically been a team that has embraced the "ignore the noise" mantra, it's nearly impossible to do so in today's world, with social media having reactions to anything and everything 24/7.
So it's no surprise that a few players spoke about what they heard regarding their chances this season before Week 1, which has only fueled their desire to prove everyone wrong.
NFL analysts and talking heads are going to regret their preseason takes on the 2025 Patriots
While speaking to reporters before heading into their bye week, K'Lavon Chaisson shared his feelings about the naysayers before the season began and revealed that, in fact, it is pushing them to play harder and win more this season.
“I could lie to you and say we don’t, but I think everyone has an ear and they hear. Doubt definitely pushes people to a higher level than they actually thought they were capable of. So from the start to where we’re at now, we all continue to believe in who we are and what we’re capable of as a team.”
It's been very apparent that this is a close roster, and the biggest reason for that is the culture Vrabel has established, which was very much needed after the disastrous last two years. They want to play hard not only to win, but for each other, as Chaisson said, and hearing the constant downplaying of what they could do this year, and what they have already accomplished (like from Cam Newton) is only making that hunger stronger.
Christian Elliss echoed that and then some, adding the extra motivation is making the Patriots want to accomplish even more, and we saw that on full display against the Giants on Monday night football, especially from the linebacker.
“I think when you have a chip on your shoulder, it always pushes you. It motivates you. It makes you want to be better to prove those people wrong. But for us, I don’t think we look at our record and get satisfied. We are always onto the next game. We always want to be one week better, one day better.”
Considering they're in line to win the AFC East in Week 15 with a win over the Bills, who will be coming to Gillette Stadium for their second matchup of the season, those who shared negative takes on how the Patriots would play this season will need to be ready to eat crow much earlier than they'd like to admit.
Even if they don't win the division that early, or not at all, the Patriots have done far more this season than any prediction from analysts and experts throughout the offseason. That's an impressive feat, no matter how you slice it.
It only sets the expectations for next year much higher, and based on what we've seen from New England this year, they appear to be up for the challenge, while proving everyone wrong in the process.