A lot has been said about the 2025 New England Patriots, and not always in a good way. Pundits and opposing fans describe them as a team that walked into the last game of the season as if having a favorable schedule immediately translated into a Super Bowl berth.
Some don't think the Patriots can get the job done again this season, now that they'll face tougher opposition. Also, the league has one year's worth of Mike Vrabel's team, and they shouldn't sneak up on anyone.
Everyone has a right to feel a certain way, but that doesn't make it true. If you were to ask Saquon Barkley, luck and the schedule had little to do with their deep postseason run. That's why he thinks the 'well-coached' Patriots can be as dangerous this season as they were in 2025.
Saquon Barkley says the Patriots are Super Bowl contenders
“I think they’re a great team,” Barkley said (h/t Mass Live). “I think they’re a well coached team. I’m not gonna really get into speaking about individuals, I think they’re a great team. There’s a reason why they made it as far as they did last year, but it’s a new year. It’s a new start and we’re all trying to see where we’re at. That’s the good thing about joint practicing when you’re able to do that..
But, yeah I’ve got nothing but respect for all those guys over there, and I feel like they have a good chance of going very far.”
Of course, players are usually politically correct when asked about these subjects, so perhaps we should take these comments with a grain of salt. That said, reports from joint practices suggest the Patriots had the Eagles, a fellow Super Bowl contender, in shambles.
Granted, none of this will matter until both teams pad up and take the field when it counts. The Patriots must have a short memory and forget 2025, knowing they have to earn their stripes again this time around.
Super Bowl hangover is a real thing. Repeating isn't for everyone, and Coach Vrabel knows that; he won't look past any opponent. Likewise, those sleeping on the Patriots might be in for a tough awakening pretty soon.
Unlike most teams that rode an easy schedule to the playoffs, the Patriots improved between seasons. They addressed most of their roster concerns, and having Drake Maye go through another full training camp with Josh McDaniels should only help his development.
Also, adding a prime weapon like A.J. Brown to the mix simply cannot be overlooked. Sometimes, the team with the most talent just wins, and giving the quarterback one of the most dangerous pass catchers in the game can unlock a whole new level to this offense.
For too long, the Patriots kept the rest of the NFL in a chokehold, so naturally, everyone will rush to dismiss them and hope for their downfall. They should know better by now.
Bill Belichick and Tom Brady might not be in the building anymore, but the Patriots Way is well and alive.
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