The Patriots are a team that has very rarely faced losing in the 21st century. However, since Tom Brady left, things have gradually declined in Foxboro. With a QB carousel of Cam Newton, Jarrett Stidham, Mac Jones and Bailey Zappe, the Patriots have had zero stability at the most important position. Now, three years removed from drafting Jones in the first round, the Patriots have rookie QB Drake Maye as the heir after selecting him with the third overall pick.

However, the plan for new Head Coach Jerod Mayo appears to be letting Maye sit behind veteran signal caller Jacoby Brissett, who signed with New England for his second Patriot stint in his ninth season. There is certainly a new vibe in New England after legendary Head Coach Bill Belichick and the Patriots parted ways after 24 seasons.

On the defensive side of things, there is a lot of potential. A defense that was pretty good in 2023 features Christian Gonzalez in year two, Jabrill Peppers and potentially Matthew Judon, if him and the Patriots can figure out his contract situation. However, a big loss for the Pats recently surfaced in the form of DT Christian Barmore, who will likely miss the entire season with blood clots.

On offense, the pass catching is sort of an enigma. At Tight End, the Pats still have Hunter Henry, who is a decent option, but now nearly 30. The Wide Receivers are mostly very young, including two rookies. Kendrick Bourne is the veteran presence, returning from a torn ACL last season. The Patriots also brought in KJ Osborn from Minnesota. The other three are second year Demario Douglas along with rookies Ja’Lynn Polk and Javon Baker.

The major questions for New England lie along the Offensive Line. They have David Andrews and Mike Onwenu and then a whole lot of question marks. Nick Leverett and Caedan Wallace are two guys competing to be on the line up front. All in all, things do not look good for the Patriots to contend in 2024, but they do have building blocks in place for the future.

Schedule

The Patriots play seven games against playoff opponents from 2023, including four against division rivals Miami and Buffalo. 4 of these are at home, including against the Rams and Texans.

@ Bengals- L

Vs Seahawks- L

@ Jets- L

@ 49ers- L

Vs Dolphins- W

Vs Texans- L

@ Jaguars- W

Vs Jets- L

@ Titans- L

@ Bears- L

Vs Rams- L

@ Dolphins- L

Vs Colts- W

@ Cardinals- L

@ Bills- L

Vs Chargers- L

Vs Bills

Final Record: 3-14 (4th in AFC East)

Key Additions:

QB Jacoby Brissett, WR KJ Osborn, LB Sione Takitaki, TE Austin Hooper, QB Drake Maye, WR Ja’Lynn Polk, WR Javon Baker, RB Antonio Gibson

2023 Metrics

Offense

29th DVOA

29th PFF Grade

31st EPA/Play

31st Points

31st Passing EPA

21st Rushing EPA

32nd Pass Block Win Rate

10th Run Block Win Rate

Defense

9th DVOA

17th PFF Grade

9th EPA/Play

15th Points

2nd Passing EPA

12th Rushing EPA

27th Pass Rush Win Rate

6th Run Stop Win Rate