Looking at the Patriots 2026 - Iron Sharpens Iron

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Roberto71 said:
The pundits can mock the Patriots all they want and denigrate the season. But the facts are clear. The team were 9-0 on the road and they are AFC Champions. And they did it with a HC in his first season with the team and a young 2nd year Quarterback. And they are a team that even we, the loyal fans, know there are holes in the team that need to be filled. Nobody exercising any kind of objective analysis would think this team will slide in the next number of years. The achievement this season was unbelievable and this is right at the start of the monumental rebuild.
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The hate is real. All of this is residual from Bill/Brady and the dynastic run. Also they all HATE that Lamar, Burrow, Mahomes fell off a cliff this season and their precious Allen lost the division to the Pats. Make no mistake that is what is killing them. Nick Wright said during the week before the SB that the Patriots now have to be mentioned with the other top AFC teams going forward and that is KILLING the national media. They wanted 70 years not 7 years of no Pats talk.

One other thing, they HATE that Maye is basically a Brady clone with wheels. I mean no way the Pats could actually get a cerebral QB with tremendous athletic ability on top!!? LOL
 
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Roberto71 said:
The pundits can mock the Patriots all they want and denigrate the season. But the facts are clear. The team were 9-0 on the road and they are AFC Champions. And they did it with a HC in his first season with the team and a young 2nd year Quarterback. And they are a team that even we, the loyal fans, know there are holes in the team that need to be filled. Nobody exercising any kind of objective analysis would think this team will slide in the next number of years. The achievement this season was unbelievable and this is right at the start of the monumental rebuild.
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I don't have a problem with thinking they might slip back next year. That is very possible. that said,I responded to the guy and asked him what his thought process was in declaring that the patriots would never get any further than they got this year.It'll be interesting to see if he responds and what he says.
 
HSanders said:
I don't have a problem with thinking they might slip back next year. That is very possible. that said,I responded to the guy and asked him what his thought process was in declaring that the patriots would never get any further than they got this year.It'll be interesting to see if he responds and what he says.
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Here is his response:

Ryan Reynolds
@RyanReynoldsNFL
I think Drake Maye is more good than great (I've seen people call him the best QB in the league, which is absurd to me)

I don't think they are in a position to acquire the pieces they need on offense to rise as
  • Pick 31 this year
  • Likely in the 20s the following two years
  • Chances of you landing a premium WR in that range is not great
  • Chances of landing one after that is even slimmer
  • Free agency is a place where you overpay guys like Alec Pierce, the true headliners really never make it there
  • Hard to trade pick 31 for a headliner
  • Schedule was a literal joke this year
  • Offense was bad in each playoff matchup/ was not functional against the three real pass rushes they played, and more concerning was shut down by LAC who does not have a great defensive roster by any stretch

So, I think Maye is good and I think Vrabel's defense will be just like it was in Tennessee, but this year you had no Mahomes, no Lamar, no Burrow, Herbert with no OL (they lose to LAC in the first round if the Chargers had their full OL). Throw in Allen/ Buffalo, I don't think NE is beating 2 of those teams in one playoff run any time soon, not to mention 3 plus whoever gets there from the NFC

Ultimately I view them as more of a 10ish win team where they are now going to be good enough where they are going to be hard pressed to add any blue chip talents at premium positions, that enjoyed extreme luck in the regular season, and drew LAC with annihilated OL and no Nix in Denver, where I think they lose both of those games otherwise.

Houston their defense beat the living shit out of, and I have no real hope they get much better on offense

In short, I view them as good, not great, and everything gets harder from here
6:56 AM · Feb 13, 2026
 
HSanders said:
Here is his response:

Ryan Reynolds
@RyanReynoldsNFL
I think Drake Maye is more good than great (I've seen people call him the best QB in the league, which is absurd to me)

I don't think they are in a position to acquire the pieces they need on offense to rise as
  • Pick 31 this year
  • Likely in the 20s the following two years
  • Chances of you landing a premium WR in that range is not great
  • Chances of landing one after that is even slimmer
  • Free agency is a place where you overpay guys like Alec Pierce, the true headliners really never make it there
  • Hard to trade pick 31 for a headliner
  • Schedule was a literal joke this year
  • Offense was bad in each playoff matchup/ was not functional against the three real pass rushes they played, and more concerning was shut down by LAC who does not have a great defensive roster by any stretch

So, I think Maye is good and I think Vrabel's defense will be just like it was in Tennessee, but this year you had no Mahomes, no Lamar, no Burrow, Herbert with no OL (they lose to LAC in the first round if the Chargers had their full OL). Throw in Allen/ Buffalo, I don't think NE is beating 2 of those teams in one playoff run any time soon, not to mention 3 plus whoever gets there from the NFC

Ultimately I view them as more of a 10ish win team where they are now going to be good enough where they are going to be hard pressed to add any blue chip talents at premium positions, that enjoyed extreme luck in the regular season, and drew LAC with annihilated OL and no Nix in Denver, where I think they lose both of those games otherwise.

Houston their defense beat the living shit out of, and I have no real hope they get much better on offense

In short, I view them as good, not great, and everything gets harder from here
6:56 AM · Feb 13, 2026
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How can this guy who watched the dumpster fires that were KC, Baltimore and Cincy and think the Pats/Maye will not beat them next year? He also speaks about the defense and how Vrabel will continue to make that unit great like when he was in TN but does not see that as a reason the Pats will beat those teams and win more than 10 games? Asinine.
 
I'm not a pundit.
I think that tne Patriots will not go 14-3 next year, even though overall they will be a better team next year than they were this year.
I think that the Seahawks will not go 14-3 next year. I don't think the Seahawks will be a better team next year than they were this year.
See, you didn't even have to sign up for X get this thoughtful opinion.
 
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Mazz22 said:
How can this guy who watched the dumpster fires that were KC, Baltimore and Cincy and think the Pats/Maye will not beat them next year? He also speaks about the defense and how Vrabel will continue to make that unit great like when he was in TN but does not see that as a reason the Pats will beat those teams and win more than 10 games? Asinine.
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Thinking that the patriots could fall back this year is not a bad take. it could happen. Acting like a "soft schedule" gets you to a super bowl in a year where you had the two seed and had to go on the road to win the afc championship to a building in which your team has never, ever won a playoff game when for twenty years you had the best dynasty in n f l history is retarded. Making comments about other quarterbacks, and how the patriots would never make it through them is retarded.Acting like the team cannot possibly improve their roster without a bunch of high draft picks is also retarded. That is why I chose to thank him for his response and move on.

I'm still waiting for any pundit to discredit kurt warner and the greatest show on turf for winning his mvp and their super bowl in a year when they had the absolute softest schedule ever. I'm still waiting for anyone to credit their defense for helping them win games in year in which they had the fourth best scoring defense in the nfl.
 
HSanders said:
Here is his response:

Ryan Reynolds
@RyanReynoldsNFL
I think Drake Maye is more good than great (I've seen people call him the best QB in the league, which is absurd to me)

I don't think they are in a position to acquire the pieces they need on offense to rise as
  • Pick 31 this year
  • Likely in the 20s the following two years
  • Chances of you landing a premium WR in that range is not great
  • Chances of landing one after that is even slimmer
  • Free agency is a place where you overpay guys like Alec Pierce, the true headliners really never make it there
  • Hard to trade pick 31 for a headliner
  • Schedule was a literal joke this year
  • Offense was bad in each playoff matchup/ was not functional against the three real pass rushes they played, and more concerning was shut down by LAC who does not have a great defensive roster by any stretch

So, I think Maye is good and I think Vrabel's defense will be just like it was in Tennessee, but this year you had no Mahomes, no Lamar, no Burrow, Herbert with no OL (they lose to LAC in the first round if the Chargers had their full OL). Throw in Allen/ Buffalo, I don't think NE is beating 2 of those teams in one playoff run any time soon, not to mention 3 plus whoever gets there from the NFC

Ultimately I view them as more of a 10ish win team where they are now going to be good enough where they are going to be hard pressed to add any blue chip talents at premium positions, that enjoyed extreme luck in the regular season, and drew LAC with annihilated OL and no Nix in Denver, where I think they lose both of those games otherwise.

Houston their defense beat the living shit out of, and I have no real hope they get much better on offense

In short, I view them as good, not great, and everything gets harder from here
6:56 AM · Feb 13, 2026
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Thanks, HS. This was a very good 2 part read by Reynolds, who co-founded 33rd Team.
I can't get on the guy for saying many things we've all thought or felt throughout this year. It was a magical year and the team did benefit greatly from good fortune to reach the SB. We all should be able to agree with that.

Going forward, I do have some bones to pick, however.
I feel like our D is good enough if it remains essentially the same for next year. I see room for improvement, of course, but I'd rather spend assets for offensive players.
I do feel like our offense could be improved greatly with better, younger, cheaper players at WR, TE and OL. We already have Wilson from last year's draft waiting to take over the C position. I look forward to the day when the Pats have one of those strong OLs people talk about with pride. We're not there yet. Every starting player should be scrutinized with the goal of finding someone better and those we keep should be given goals for improvement. Onwenu, for example, is strong but he's grossly overweight and can't move well because of it. His goal is to lose 40 lbs. Maybe draft a G so Wilson can move to C. Hope Moses stays at RT but draft a solid swing T.

Another example. We can't keep Diggs under his present contract. He has been a great leader and mentor for the other receivers. Loved that. I see his poor postseason performance as a harbinger of next year and the year after. He's 32. It was a long season. He wore down and it showed. We can do better for less at his slot receiver position.
I'd love to know what Hollins' injury was that put him on IR.

Hunter Henry and Hooper are both getting older and can be upgraded now through the draft. We need more + players to replace those aging into jags.

Anyway, I believe emphasis this year should be put on protection and weapons for Maye. That's how I'd like to see the Pats act.
 
chevss454 said:
Thanks, HS. This was a very good 2 part read by Reynolds, who co-founded 33rd Team.
I can't get on the guy for saying many things we've all thought or felt throughout this year. It was a magical year and the team did benefit greatly from good fortune to reach the SB. We all should be able to agree with that.

Going forward, I do have some bones to pick, however.
I feel like our D is good enough if it remains essentially the same for next year. I see room for improvement, of course, but I'd rather spend assets for offensive players.
I do feel like our offense could be improved greatly with better, younger, cheaper players at WR, TE and OL. We already have Wilson from last year's draft waiting to take over the C position. I look forward to the day when the Pats have one of those strong OLs people talk about with pride. We're not there yet. Every starting player should be scrutinized with the goal of finding someone better and those we keep should be given goals for improvement. Onwenu, for example, is strong but he's grossly overweight and can't move well because of it. His goal is to lose 40 lbs. Maybe draft a G so Wilson can move to C. Hope Moses stays at RT but draft a solid swing T.

Another example. We can't keep Diggs under his present contract. He has been a great leader and mentor for the other receivers. Loved that. I see his poor postseason performance as a harbinger of next year and the year after. He's 32. It was a long season. He wore down and it showed. We can do better for less at his slot receiver position.
I'd love to know what Hollins' injury was that put him on IR.

Hunter Henry and Hooper are both getting older and can be upgraded now through the draft. We need more + players to replace those aging into jags.

Anyway, I believe emphasis this year should be put on protection and weapons for Maye. That's how I'd like to see the Pats act.
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Agree with much of this. If the have an opportunity to bolster depth/talent at the LB position, that would be great but if the can prioritize resigning Chaisson, Hawkins, and Tonga, and do nothing else, I can live with that if it means most of the rest of the focus goes toward an offensive make-over.

I would not have a problem with another year of Henry and Hooper despite the fact they'll be 33 and 32, respectively, so long as they drafted another TE. Hooper is an UFA and I am not sure he earned a multi-year deal based on his performance this year but I thought he was solid in his role. Would Henry be willing to restructure the final year of his deal? Perhaps tack on a 2nd year at reasonable dollars that saves a couple of million. He's slated to make $11+ mil next year, perhaps that becomes 2 for $18 mil?

I don't regret the Diggs signing but it was definitely a bit of a sell-out deal for the Pats in 2025 only. He's probably only a slot receiver going forward and that limits the personnel options if that is the case. Could he restructure, and if so, do they trade for AJ Brown or should they make an effort at signing Alec Pierce as a potential homerun threat? Pierce is probably going to cash in.

For the OL, I agree with moving Wilson to C as soon as possible. Lowe's a FA and if they weren't going to play him in place of an injured Campbell, they need another vet who can at least pinch hit for him. This unit will likely be their toughest challenge to solve for. Best case, might be looking at 2027 before we see the OL truly solidified.
 
Diggs I think was wearing jeans in court today.
Sigh…….. come on man.
He is way overpaid, but the Pats have a ton of cap space, a ton of needs, and the FA WR group ain’t great.
He was remarkable considering his age and coming off the ACL. If the line improves he probably looks better than he did in the playoffs.
 
rivshark86 said:
Diggs I think was wearing jeans in court today.
Sigh…….. come on man.
He is way overpaid, but the Pats have a ton of cap space, a ton of needs, and the FA WR group ain’t great.
He was remarkable considering his age and coming off the ACL. If the line improves he probably looks better than he did in the playoffs.
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If the line improves, every offensive player looks better than he did in the playoffs.
 
What about DJ Moore?
The bears don’t use him. He’s also overpaid, but would they trade him for……is a back end third too much to trade for him given his salary? He is 28. Never really lived up to his hype though.
 
I certainly hope this imposter of a Pats fan isn’t from this forum. I’ve read many of his posts and all he appears to be is an ass kisser to the Bills forum. 🤦

12 hours ago, 2003Contenders said:
Not taking anything away from Vrabel because he certainly deserved the accolades he has received for the turnaround the Pats made -- but let's see what power that team has to sustain their success with a much more difficult schedule ahead.

Let's ask ourselves this question: What if the Bills (as led by McD) had faced the same playoff schedule as the Pats? I think they win all the same games that the Pats did -- and the game against Denver (with no Nix that the Pats faced) he Bills probably win going away. Meanwhile, I am not sure that the Pats would have made it past the Jags in the first round.

Of course, the Pats had the path they had because of greater success in the regular season, but that too was largely a product of a much easier schedule. Still, they did beat the teams they were supposed to beat -- and the Bills did not always do that in 2025 (Miami, Atlanta and Mills-led Houston).
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Let’s be fair the Pats went from a 4-13 team (2 consecutive years) to 14-3 would McD been able do that with the Pats roster? I am 99.9% sure that the Bills prbl go 15-2 and Vrabel has Allen not playing Superman in that Denver game and the Bills win big… AND they beat the Seahawks as well.. the Bills amount of talent is so superior to NE it’s scary. But I also think Macdaniels is a better OC than Brady but that my opjnion
 
Phil Perry thinks the Pats want a mobile Oline for some more west coast plays which would create more rollout plays for Drake. Perry is fully aware of the two big linemen on the right side.

Does make one wonder, if true,
if Owenhu is considered a player that could be replaced with younger/cheaper.
Moses will retire relatively soon.
I think they will draft a ROT this spring as Moses insurance at a minimum.
 
sg14 said:
Phil Perry thinks the Pats want a mobile Oline for some more west coast plays which would create more rollout plays for Drake. Perry is fully aware of the two big linemen on the right side.

Does make one wonder, if true,
if Owenhu is considered a player that could be replaced with younger/cheaper.
Moses will retire relatively soon.
I think they will draft a ROT this spring as Moses insurance at a minimum.
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Moses was the 20th rated Tackle by PFF. Tackle is a position that ages well.

If this random google article I read has any accuracy to it.
 
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