In a recent article by Jeff Howe of The Athletic, NFL decision makers were polled, and interestingly, the Patriots ended up being one of the top teams that executives and experts alike believe will take the next step in 2025. There's no doubt there's reason for hype, but will they live up to the billing put on them by 31 executives?
On one hand, skepticism is understandable. At the end of the day, the team went 4-13 last season and was favored in zero games. What changes could make a team go from zero to hero? The Commanders were a massive story last season, but what are the odds the Patriots pull off a Herculean effort like Washington?
On the other hand, the Patriots have no reason not to succeed. More specifically, Mike Vrabel has no reason not to succeed. Equipped with experienced coordinators of his choice, a new No. 4 overall left tackle, and a QB already in place, the team looks set to boom rather than bust.
On top of this, they were far and away free agency's biggest spenders, inking contracts that totaled over $361 million. The next biggest spender, Minnesota, didn't even eclipse $300 million.
Defense wins championships, which explains Mike Vrabel's emphasis on improving the roster
While the offense had notable upgrades through offense and the draft, Vrabel's marquee spending and more notable moves have come on the defensive side of the ball. He handed out a record-breaking deal to Milton Williams to be the franchise's highest-paid player ever. He also handed out deals worth north of $10 million per season to Carlton Davis, Harold Landry, and Robert Spillane. 2024 Patriots, such as Christian Elliss and Jeremiah Pharms, were also rewarded with new deals.
During Vrabel's most successful regular season in Tennessee, he went 12-5 with one of the league's best defenses. The unit finished sixth in PPG allowed, third in total yards allowed per game, and allowed the fewest rush yards per game.
Where his unit struggled was against the pass, allowing the eighth most passing yards per game. That defense also never had the likes of Christian Gonzalez and Carlton Davis, however. Marcus Jones is a sound slot, and Alex Austin impressed in the preseason.
At safety, Kyle Dugger was buried in the depth chart, and Jabrill Peppers was released. As shocking as Peppers' release was, it was a bold statement in how the Patriots want to play. Veteran Jaylinn Hawkins and fourth-round rookie Craig Woodson seem to be the starters now, so clearly Vrabel prefers more coverage than run support from the back end. A bold move, but the coach made his decision as to what was best for the scheme.
The Patriots are clearly much better than they were last season on paper, and Vrabel has had his way with the roster. When you add in the fact that they have one of the easiest schedules in football, it's clear to see why the Patriots are the next team poised for. a breakout, according to NFL decision makers.