The 11-2 New England Patriots entered their bye on a hot streak. They won 10 straight, sitting in second place in the AFC, have been getting MVP-caliber play from second-year quarterback Drake Maye, and offseason signings are paying off.
Many fans in New England have high hopes for the team after missing out on the playoffs in four of the last five seasons, including back-to-back 4-13 seasons in 2023 and 2024. Other fans are skeptical about the team due to its weak schedule, injuries piling up, and past collapses in the NFL.
Since Tom Brady left the team, the Patriots have found little success, missing the playoffs in four out of the last five seasons. After Brady signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2020, the Patriots have cycled through four main starting quarterbacks. Cam Newton in 2020(7-9), Mac Jones from 2021-2023(10-7, 8-9, 4-13), Jacoby Brissett/Drake Maye in 2024(4-13).
After the 2024 NFL season, the front office got busy. Head coach and former Patriots linebacker Jerod Mayo was fired after his first season, and replaced with former Titans head coach Mike Vrabel, who also happens to be a former Pats linebacker. The first free agent they signed was Titans edge rusher Harold Landry, who signed a 3-year, $43.5 million dollar contract, After that, they signed Eagles defensive tackle Milton Williams to a four year $104 million dollar contract, and Lions cornerback Carlton Davis for 3 years and 60 million dollars, Titans linebacker Robert Spillane for 3 years and $37.5 million, Jets offensive tackle Morgan Moses for 3 years and $24 million, nose tackle Khyrus Tonga for 1 year and $2.7 million, Eagles linebacker Christian Elliss for 2 years, $13.5 Million, Bills wide receiver Mack Hollins for 2 years, $8.4 million, and Texans wide receiver Stefon Diggs for 3 years and $66 million. Their notable draft picks include offensive tackle Will Campble, running back TreVeyon Henderson, center/guard Jared Wilson, defensive tackle Josh Farmer, and kicker Andy Borregales.
After failing to clinch the AFC East in week 15’s loss to the Buffalo Bills, the Pats are 11-3, still in second place in the AFC, one game behind the Denver broncos, and only one game ahead of Buffalo. Week 16’s prime time match up in Baltimore gives New England an opportunity to clinch a playoff spot with a win or tie against the Ravens, or a loss or tie from the Indianapolis Colts, or the Houston Texans.
With all the excitement in the air, Norwood High juniors Max Conley, Chase Chastanet, Bobby Griffin, and Owen MacDougall shared their thoughts on how the postseason would play out for the team.
Conley was cautiously optimistic. He was concerned about the health of the team, but still confident in their ability to win, saying, “Obviously, without Will Campbell, Drake Maye’s going to have to pick it up… but I think we can pull through and get the bye… Pats vs Eagles, we’re going to win 27 to 14”.
Chastanet also thinks the Patriots will do well, but not win the Super Bowl.
“We’re going to have a great run this year in the playoffs… I think we’re going to the AFC Championship… I’d hope for a W[win], but we’re a young team.”
Griffin also thinks the Pats will have a solid run, but fail to win it all.
“Even though they’re a young team that has a lot of talent, I think that might show up in the playoffs. I’m expecting them to either make it to the divisional[round] or the AFC Championship.”
MacDougall wasn’t as high on the team. He was concerned about injuries and didn’t think they’d make it that far, saying, “Honestly, I think we’re getting first-rounded.”
