Drake Maye, Mike Vrabel and the New England Patriots had a strong 2025-26 season that led them to Super Bowl LX, but they fell short in the final game and gave the Seattle Seahawks the championship win with a 29-13 final score.
So, while the Patriots have a lot to be proud of when it comes to last season, there’s room to grow and build. Plus, it’s not easy for a team to get to the big game for two consecutive years, so can they do it?
People inside the NFL say that answer is, “Yes.” For fans of the historic franchise, that’s good news.
Ahead of the 2026-27 season, Bleacher Report NFL analysts Gary Davenport, Kris Knox, Maurice Moton and Brent Sobleski have ranked the NFL teams.
For the New England Patriots, they have Maye and the team at No. 2. The only team they’re behind, of course, is the Seattle Seahawks.
“The 2025 season ended in dispiriting fashion for the New England Patriots-a lopsided loss to the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl LX in which the team just couldn’t get going offensively and Drake Maye was harassed the entire contest,” Davenport notes. “But that defeat doesn’t erase what has to be regarded as a wildly successful season in Beantown.”
He adds that it was an incredible achievement to go from a team that was 4-13 in 2023 and 2024 to winning 14 games and making it to the Super Bowl. Plus, Mike Vrabel was named Coach of the Year in his first season with the team, and Maye was one vote away from being named the NFL’s Most Valuable Player.
“Yes, there are holes to fill. The offensive line and the pass rush need work,” he adds. “Even if Stefon Diggs returns, New England could use an upgrade at wide receiver. But the Patriots exceeded expectations by a country mile this year-a fact that fans need to keep in mind as the sting from Sunday’s defeat fades.”
Over at ESPN, they also have the Pats at No. 2. Mike Reiss notes, “One of the Patriots’ goals has been to replenish the roster with younger talent after some lean years prior to coach Mike Vrabel’s arrival. Despite the overall success at that in 2025, the goal remains the same going forward.”
So, as the new season approaches, things are looking strong for the New England Patriots.
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