For almost two decades, the New England Patriots were the team to beat in the NFL.
Then, it didn’t take long before the Bill Belichick and Tom Brady debate ended with a clear winner.
The Patriots wilted in the years their legendary head coach didn’t have an all-time great quarterback, but it seems like they’re finally back on track under Mike Vrabel.
“I’m all in with the Patriots,” former NFL general manager Ran Carthon said.
"I'm all in with the Patriots."
🎥: @NFLonCBS, @RanCarthon
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— Savage (@SavageSports_) October 20, 2025
Quarterback Drake Maye is looking like a star in the making, and in a Week 7 win against the Tennessee Titans, he set a Patriots record for completion percentage (91.3 percent).
The defense is back to its dominant ways, and the special teams have been solid.
They do need to get rookie running back TreVeyon Henderson going to help their usual run-heavy approach.
But so far, they look like the real deal, and it goes beyond the numbers.
This is one of the most storied franchises in sports, and rebuilding their winning culture was a must for Vrabel, who was a three-time Super Bowl champion as a Patriots player.
New England faltered in Belichick’s final seasons, and initial replacement Jerod Mayo wasn’t ready to take the reins of the franchise.
Sometimes, all it takes is one person to spark change, and the Patriots found him in their former linebacker.
Leading the AFC East, the Patriots will face the Cleveland Browns at home in Week 8.
NEXT: Patriots Rookie Is Quietly Disappointing This Season