A bold prediction has been made that the New England Patriots, doormats of the AFC East for two years running, can rise from the depths of last place in the AFC East and contend for a playoff spot with a 9-8 or 10- 7 record. That prediction has also been questioned, and rightfully so. It's a bold take for a team that was, in actuality, the worst in the NFL in 2024.
Nevertheless, the prediction stands, and the Patriots' possibility of the Patriots making the playoffs has a very influential adherent. It's the Boston Globe's top Patriots beat writer, and one of the best in the business, Ben Volin. He's now on board with the possibility that the dismal 2024 Patriots can Cinderella-like transform into a contender in one season.
Is such a prediction "pie in the sky "? It may seem so at first blush. But there's a major factor at play that can level the playing field in a hurry for the New England Patriots. It's their new man in command, a veteran and top professional Head Coach and personnel guy, Mike Vrabel. He makes all the difference. Let's take a closer look at Volin's comments and see if he is on target.
The Boston Globe's Ben Volin is reading the 2025 Patriots tea leaves right
Appearing on "The Herd with Colin Cowherd" Show, Ben Volin had some eye-opening comments about a Patriots' potential rise like a newly yeasted loaf of bread in the AFC East and generally. Comments of a writer of Volin's stature bear close attention.
"The arrow is pointing up in Foxborough, and it's not crazy to predict them as a playoff team."
Predicting a Patriots playoff run in 2025 is bold for anyone to make. But when it comes from such an informed and well-regarded source as Ben Volin of the Boston Globe, Patriot Nation, the AFC East, and everyone else in the NFL should sit up and take notice.
Volin knows his business and sits at the top of the Patriots beat writers hierarchy, which includes other giants of Pats reporting like Tom Curran, Phil Perry, and Andrew Callaham. They are in the pantheon of the most plugged-in, perceptive, and astute Boston writers on the Patriots. Let's recap why Volin's optimism is not a fantasy.
The Patriots are assembling the ingredients, and Vrabel is a five-star Michelin Head Chef
Volin continued his comments, citing some particulars as to why his thoughts of a winning season and a playoff berth are on solid ground. He notes the presence of two coaches. First, it's the Head Coach, a veteran winner, Mike Vrabel. He also mentions Josh McDaniels, a successful and seasoned offensive coordinator.
Of course, Tom Brady was the linchpin of all the Patriots' Dynasty's success, but McDaniels helped fashion a system in which Brady could thrive. He managed his development from the early days as a ball manager to his star-studded fireworks show in 2007 with the inimitable Randy Moss.
Volin then cites the undeniable top ingredient any winning team must have: the quarterback. Volin noted they have a young quarterback. What can be added to his note is that this particular young quarterback has all the required ingredients to stir the pot on offense and lead it to a winning recipe.
Patriot Nation should not minimize what Maye accomplished in his first season. It was far better than he's been given credit for. With a last-in-NFL level offensive line, and barely one average receiver, he completed 66 percent of his passes with 15 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. This is after getting virtually no first-team practice snaps throughout the entire offseason and into the first quarter of the season. That gaffe cost wins and the coaching staff their jobs, no matter who made the decision.
Additionally, Volin cited that the Patriots won the offseason, meaning Vrabel's reconstruction is well on its way, and the woeful 2024 version is in the rearview mirror. It says here that if Vrabel smashes the draft, adds the left tackles he needs, a wide receiver or two, a defensive tackle, and maybe a running back and tight end, as former Celtic great Kevin Garnett once said, "Anything is possibleeeee". And that includes making the playoffs or maybe even winning the AFC East.