The 2025 New England Patriots are grabbing headlines all over the NFL world. The outstanding 2025 off-season revamp conducted by new Head Coach and de facto general manager Mike Vrabel has been nothing short of brilliant.
Vrabel has taken a lackluster roster and shaken it out like a dusty old rug. He's been aggressive in all three phases of the offseason. He began with a monster free agency period, shoring up holes on offense and defense with upgrades almost everywhere.
He completed most of the 2025 revamp by utilizing the draft and free agency to fill in the remaining gaps. The total of his efforts is a team that's ready to rise like a phoenix from the ashes of last place in the AFC East to immediate contention for a playoff spot and more.
Now that he is expected to lead the Patriots to their first successful season in at least four years, even the most discerning analysts in Boston are jumping on the bandwagon well before the 2025 season begins.
Greg Bedard is bullish, especially on the Patriots offense and QB
Greg Bedard is one of the Patriots' top media analysts, alongside Mike Reiss, Tom Curran, Phil Perry, and Andrew Callahan. He writes for the Boston Sports Journal and hosts a podcast, where he recently spoke about his excitement about the Patriots' upcoming season.
The sometimes negative Bedard had some eye-opening, positive comments about the team's future, specifically regarding quarterback Drake Maye.
Bedard is a no-nonsense reporter and observer. He tells like he sees it, and there's no sugarcoating on any moldy Patriots' cake. He presents the facts, and if the observations don't meet the reader's or listener's expectations, that's just the way it is. That's why his recent comments are so startling.
Bedard lets the compliments fly about Drake Maye and the Patriots' offense
Bedard's comments should be music to the ears of Patriot Nation. While the "the sky is falling" commentary was prevalent after Mayes' first practice and four interceptions, he has since lit up the practice field.
Bedard is not shy about airing that out. He was right out front in saying that he's "excited" about the team and especially the offense's prospects. Again, consider the source. It's Greg Bedard who'll point out something as minor as an offside in practice and put the onus squarely on the perpetrator. And he's usually right.
But perhaps the most poignant and important observation he made was about the key man on the offense and the entire team, Drake Maye, and his performances of late. Bedard said flat out that Maye has "exceeded his expectations," and that's saying something. Not that it's so foreign. Maye's 2024 season, despite his poor surrounding cast, was extraordinary. Now, having real accompaniment, no one should be shocked or even surprised at how well he'll perform.
Maye and the Patriots' offense have won over a major and very astute observer. That's a meaningful accomplishment. And while he didn't stress the defense, the expectations there should also be sky-high. Vrabel added playmakers all over the lot, on both sides of the ball, and playmakers win games.
The Patriots lost six games by one score last season. Simple math says they are on their way to a complete reversal with massive upgrades in personnel and certainly in coaching. Bedard's positive take on Maye is a great sign; he's been won over. Expect everyone else to climb on board the 2025 season's speeding train, too. It's going to be one heck of a ride.