![Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) talks with the media after the Jaguars final Organized Team Activity on Monday, June 15, 2026 at the Miller Electric Center in Jacksonville, Fla. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,x_0,y_280,w_2619,h_1473/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images/ReutersImages/mmsport/49/01ky3dh020yez0rc9csj.jpg "Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) talks with the media after the Jaguars final Organized Team Activity on Monday, June 15, 2026 at the Miller Electric Center in Jacksonville, Fla. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]")
The New England Patriots had a miraculous season last year. After managing a record of just 8-26 in the 2023 and 2024 seasons, they exploded in 2025 under Mike Vrabel with a 14-3 record that crowned them AFC East champions.
Their 12-1 finish to the season catapulted them up the standings, and they eventually defeated Denver in the AFCCG to reach the Super Bowl, which they'd go on to lose to Seattle.
While the Patriots played excellent football last season, their regular success was no doubt aided by their weak strength of schedule. During the playoffs, they didn't have to face Patrick Mahomes, Joe Burrow, or Lamar Jackson after their teams failed to qualify. Josh Allen was eliminated before they could play him, and Bo Nix's ankle injury sidelined him for the AFCCG.
While the AFC promises to be harder this season, one sleeping giant could cause the Patriots some major issues if they aren't careful.
The Jacksonville Jaguars look poised for a deep playoff run
The Jaguars have had mixed success with Trevor Lawrence under center, but made the playoffs for the second time with the former Clemson QB at the helm last season. The first time Lawrence and Co. made the playoffs, they managed an improbable comeback against the Chargers before being eliminated by the Chiefs in the second round.
In a recent article from Sports Illustrated, John Shipley predicts the Patriots will jump the Patriots in the AFC hierarchy for five main reasons, the first of which is Lawrence's superior experience to Drake Maye's.
Admittedly, Lawrence has played more NFL football than Maye has, but that's hardly mattered in terms of his playoff success. Lawrence has made the playoffs in two of his five seasons and sports a playoff record of 1-2. His single postseason win featured a quarterback on the other side, Justin Herbert, who has his own set of playoff struggles.
Shipley also argues that Liam Coen gives the Jaguars an advantage over the Patriots as a superior coach to Mike Vrabel. Coen had a tremendous season, but calling his year "the more impressive season" seems overzealous.
Vrabel won his second Coach of the Year award after turning over nearly half the squad and rostering as many as 14 rookies at one time. His playoff success was the most extensive since the departure of Tom Brady. Coen is an excellent coach, but at best, the two are on the same tier.
Shipley goes on to argue that the Jaguars have better weapons than the Patriots. This seems a difficult argument to make. The Patriots have the advantage at running back, with TreVeyon Henderson and Rhamondre Stevenson compared to Bhayshul Tuten and Chris Rodriguez Jr.
At tight end, Hunter Henry is coming off a career year. Admittedly, the trio of Brian Thomas Jr., Jakobi Meyers, and Parker Washington is very good, but it doesn't have the top-end talent that A.J. Brown offers, especially considering Thomas Jr.'s lackluster 2025. Romeo Doubs is comparable to Meyers, though Washington is a better third option than Kayshon Boutte or Mack Hollins.
The final two points Shipley makes are the X-factors in the debate. The first of the two is Travis Hunter. The former No. 2 overall pick split time between wide receiver and cornerback last year, and while he's tremendously talented, playing both sides of the ball extensively doesn't seem feasible.
According to ESPN, Hunter is pegged to be a starting cornerback and the team's fourth wide receiver, a snap split that would seem appropriate given the talent the Florida team has at wide receiver compared to cornerback. If Hunter can become all he was promised to be as a cornerback, the Jaguars' defense, which ranked 8th overall last season, could become even more lethal.
These two x-factors will be key to watch this season
The second of the two X-factors is the Jaguars' defensive line compared to New England's offensive line. Josh Hines-Allen and Travon Walker are a fantastic edge duo, while Arik Armstead was a productive pass rusher from the interior last season.
Nonetheless, the Patriots offensive line made their fair share of upgrades to the offensive line.
Jared Wilson's move to center promises a more effective sophomore season, while Alijah Vera-Tucker's pressure rate in his last healthy season, 2024, would have been the lowest among all left guards in football. Caleb Lomu also adds depth after the Patriots selected him in the first round.
Will Campbell and Vera-Tucker's health are the biggest "what ifs". If the former LSU prospect is able to return to his regular-season form, the Patriots will have a solid left tackle who ranked top-12 in pressure rate at the position last year.
There are plenty of reasons Duval County should be excited about the upcoming NFL season. Their wide receivers and defensive line are excellent, while Travis Hunter is sure to be one of the most exciting second-year players in football this year.
The Patriots have their own reasons for excitement, but all hypotheticals can be put to bed on September 27, when the two squads will face off in what could prove to be a pivotal game in the AFC title race later in the season.
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