One NFL analyst explains why the New England Patriots have real hope entering the new NFL season.
As the New England Patriots get ready for the upcoming NFL season, the big question around the group is whether they can repeat the same success from a year ago.
New England reached the Super Bowl in what was supposed to be a "rebuilding" year, with quarterback Drake Maye absolutely taking another step forward. The development of Maye has pushed the Patriots back into title contention for years to come, and the organization has invested in him.
Last season, Maye threw for 4,394 yards with 31 touchdowns and eight interceptions, leading New England to win the AFC East. But the team didn't sit back this offseason; instead, the front office went out to get him more offensive weapons.
New England added star wide receiver A.J. Brown to the mix, giving Maye a legitimate go-to weapon to use. But the team also signed Romeo Doubs as well, offering more firepower to this unit.
So heading into the season, the Patriots are being viewed as a potential contender again. But there seems to be a few reasons why they could actually duplicate the results from the explosive 2025 season.
NFL analyst Moe Moton put together a column, listing one reason each team should be hopeful heading into the new year. Within, the Patriots' reason centered on Maye and the weapons that the team got him this offseason.
"Drake Maye is coming off an MVP-worthy year, and the Patriots significantly upgraded his wide receiver corps with the addition of three-time Pro Bowler A.J. Brown and Romeo Doubs to help him navigate a much tougher schedule," Moton wrote.
New England's schedule is much tougher this season, especially with it being a first-place one. But the Patriots believe that they can build off the success from last year, with the mindset being to finish the job this time.
Maye's development will tell us a lot, and he will have to deal with opposing defenses scheming against him. NFL teams have much more film on him now after his breakout year, and he will have to adapt to this fact.
But overall, the Patriots should be excited for the upcoming NFL season, as they are a real threat. New England has a lot to prove again, but this team seems ready for the challenges ahead of them.
The Patriots will open the new NFL season on Sept. 9 against the Seattle Seahawks on the road. This will give them a chance for some revenge against the team that exposed them in the Super Bowl back in February.
