The New England Patriots took down the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, moving to 5-2 on the year. The offense was electric, scoring 24 points in the first three quarters, while the defense held the Titans to 13 and notched their first touchdown as a unit this year.
The player who made that touchdown happen was none other than K'Lavon Chaisson, Week 7's AFC Defensive Player of the Week. The LSU product joins two other Patriots to win the conference player of the week: Antonio Gibson in Week 2 and Marcus Jones in Week 4, both of whom received the honor for their special teams performances.
Each had a return touchdown in those games, and Jones nearly had a second in their annihilation of Carolina.
Week 2 - Antonio Gibson (AFC ST Player of the Week)
— Michael Rodnick (@MJRodnick) October 22, 2025
Week 4 - Marcus Jones (AFC ST Player of the Week)
Week 7 - K'Lavon Chaisson (AFC D Player of the Week)
We're so back. 🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/R06LQfa350
The Patriots have now had three players of the week through just seven games. It's hard to believe, given where they were only a year ago, when they had just four wins on the year compared to their current 5-2 record.
The Patriots have come a long way from the disastrous 2024 season
The Patriots' 5-2 start, paired with a plethora of individual performances, shows just how impactful a great coaching staff and proper roster construction are. A key point to remember is that two of the three POTW award winners were with the team last year, and neither was as effective then as they have been this year.
Special teams coordinator Jeremy Springer also remained on the staff as the only coordinator to retain his role. Vrabel clearly saw talent in Springer and Gibson, specifically, and felt comfortable enough to allow them to keep their roles. That's now paying dividends.
It goes without saying that New England has come a long way. The passing offense is eighth in football, while a year ago, they were dead last. 30th in PPG in 2024, they've shot up the rankings, also eighth in the league. The Patriots' defense has been spectacular; they rank third in rush defense and fifth in points allowed per game.
Between Chaisson, Jones, and Gibson, the Patriots have had three players who've delivered tremendous performances throughout their first seven games, and several others who have not been named POTW. Vrabel and company have turned this team around in a big way from their 2024 situation.