The Mike Vrabel era in New England has a lot of people talking, with many analysts and fans of opposing teams already declaring that the Patriots will be a team to be reckoned with after five years of obscurity. Some have even suggested they make the playoffs as a wild card team, which would be their first postseason run since 2021.
That makes it easy to review their upcoming schedule and decide which games they'll likely win, something legendary tight end Rob Gronkowski recently did during his appearance on the "Bussin' with the Boys" podcast. Although he ultimately left the Patriots in 2019, he remains loyal to the team that drafted him and has already declared which team they will definitely beat, as the old-time rivalry remains deep.
Because of that, Gronkowski believes the potential rise of the 2025 Steelers won't be a problem for the Patriots.
Rob Gronkowski doesn't view the Steelers as a potential threat to the Patriots 2025 success
After proudly declaring that the Patriots will make the playoffs this year and that they will win more than seven games to accomplish that, Gronkowski didn't take long to brush off their upcoming opponents, with the Steelers receiving the brunt of his confidence.
"We've got the Steelers' number. The Patriots always take down the Steelers, no matter what."
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Given his history with Pittsburgh, it is unshocking to hear such a take from Gronkowski, who infamously trolled the Steelers on numerous occasions. They were once a team to beat in the AFC, especially early in Ben Roethlisberger's career, yet they were never a real hurdle for the Patriots to get through on their way to another Super Bowl.
That could be different this year, with Vrabel as the head coach and Drake Maye under center, as they are obviously not Bill Belichick or Tom Brady. However, based on Vrabel's experience as a head coach from his six years in Tennessee and Maye's expected growth in year two with Josh McDaniels, it's easy to believe they could beat a quarterback-less Steelers team easily.
It is saying a lot, as they have one of the best pass rushers in the league on their defensive line with T.J. Watt. Fortunately for New England, though, their immense upgrades on the offensive line should make for an easier day for Maye. Their defense, lined up with stars like Carlton Davis, Christian Gonzalez, and Milton Williams, will shine in their efforts to shut down players like D.K. Metcalf and Cordarrelle Patterson.