written by: ThePatriotWay
The 2023 Season was one to forget. Bill Belichick’s last season at the helm of the Patriots would also be his worse season EVER, as a Head Coach. The Patriots finished 4-13. Mac Jones looked completely lost at times. Bailey Zappe wasn’t any better. The team was in a shambles, and for many it was clear that it was time for the Hoodie to walk away from the headset. Thank you for the six rings, but peace out Bill. Enter Jerod Mayo. Mayo was an ILB for the Patriots from 2008-2015. After retirement, he took a few years off and in 2019 he was named the Inside Linebackers Coach. Under Belichick’s tutelage he continued to practice and study the “Do Your Job” mantra, which many associate with “The Patriot Way”.
On January 12, 2024, the Patriots announced Mayo as the 15th Head Coach in franchise history and their first Black head coach. The 65th Patriots team will be different than the 64th team in just about every single way. New Head Coach, New Quarterback, New Offensive and Defensive Coordinators. Alex Van Pelt has joined the team as offensive coordinator after spending a few seasons in Cleveland. DeMarcus Covington has been promoted from Defensive Line Coach to defensive coordinator.
The roster has a new look too. Mac Jones, Bailey Zappe, Brian Hoyer, and Malik Cunningham are all gone. Jacoby Brissett is the lone veteran in the QB room, as he’s joined by rookies Drake Maye and Joe Milton. While Milton shows flashes of excitement, look for Drake to be the starter by the middle of the season if this team is struggling come November. I think for most of the season we’ll be hearing the Maye vs. Brissett debate, until Mayo pulls the trigger and throws Maye into the fire. And if he ultimately fails, we’ll here calls for Milton from his groupies.
The running back room will be comprised of Rhamondre Stevenson retaining his starter role from last season, he’ll be backed up by Antonio Gibson and JaMycal Hasty. In a surprising move, Kevin Harris was cut, Hasty’s versatility on special teams gave him the slight edge over Harris.
Patriots are running with 7 spots for wide receiver, with DeMario Douglas will be the de facto WR1 with Kendrick Bourne being on the PUP list. Ja’Lynn Polk, Javon Baker and KJ Osborn will be battling for their positions, with each one having their own set of pros and cons that seemingly vary week to week. Tyquan Thornton will be fighting for the X receiver spot. His field stretching ability to make in interesting and he’ll keep defenses guessing. DaVante Parker and JuJu Smith-Schuster have both left the tea
The biggest question it appears for the offense this season is, can any of the 3 QB be reliable for a whole season as the starter, with two rookies, that IS a big question mark. Can the offensive line block and give said QBs enough time to hit their receivers? If pre-season was any indication, it doesn’t look good. Can the young receivers get open against veteran D-Corps? They certainly have the speed, but do they have the skill to get the separation? DeMario Douglas recently informed Tom Curran that he had a lofty goal for himself. He is setting out to be the Patriots first 1,000-yard receiver since the Squirrel himself accomplished the feat in 2019.
“(I want to) score touchdowns, I want to be a 1,000-yard receiver, and I want to make every play that comes my way,” Douglas said on the latest episode of Curran’s “Irrelevant Questions” series. “Every ball that comes my way, I want that ball.”
The 23-year-old receiver was a 6th round draft pick out of Liberty in the 2023 draft. If anyone can do it, why not “Pop”?
Once again, it seems like the Patriots defense is what will be keeping this team in games for the duration of the season. Not too much movement in the front seven, aside from the terrible news that Christian Baramore is out indefinitely due to blood clots. The team doctors have stated, however, that they caught them early enough, that he should make a full recovery just like his offensive line counterpart, David Andrews. The Patriots have moved on from talented and vocal Edge Rusher, Matthew Judon. Anfernee Jennings and 2023 draft pick Keon White, slot in to fill the void left by Judon.
Free-agent addition Sione Takitaki has found himself on the PUP list due to a knee injury opening the door for Christian Elliss for the 4th ILB slot, with the team relying heavily on Bently and Tavi.
The Patriot defense is running heavy in the cornerback department keeping seven corners on the roster. Christian Gonzales and Isaiah Bolden look to have spectacular second seasons after suffering season ending injuries in their rookie years.
Joey Slye won the role of kicker, edging out former 4th round pick Chad Ryland. Ryland being cut further deepens the cut that it was to select a kicker in the 4th round over skill positions that were still on the board. Slye has been impressive in camp hitting 8/9 kicks of 50-59 yards. He was very close on nailing multiple 60+ yard kicks as well. Most Patriot fans will be happy with this news considering Ryland was the league’s worst kicker in his rookie season, only making an atrocious 64% of his kicks. Unfortunately for Jerod, the Patriots have the second hardest strength of schedule at the beginning of this season. I don’t think Patriots fans need to panic too much about Mayo’s coaching ability if we find ourselves 0-8 after the first two months of the season.
September (0-4)
Week 1 September 8, 2024 @ Cincinnati.
Joe Burrow, coming off an injury, week one, in the Jungle? Yeah, this is going to be a tough hill to sled for Brissett and company. If the defense can keep Burrow & Chase in check, it’ll be a close game, but if Burrow is able to ball, look for the Bengals to walk away with a double-digit win.
(0-1) L 24-17
Week 2 September 15, 2024, Seattle Seahawks
This game could really go either way. On paper, however, the Seahawks are just a little more talented on the offensive side of the ball, but this will be a defensive showdown.
(0-2) L 13-10
Week 3 September 19, 2024 @ New York Jets
The Patriots first prime time game of the season, and it’s a Thursday Night Game on Amazon Prime. The Patriots travel to MetLife and take on Aaron Rodgers and the most talented Jets team we’ve seen in a while with a short practice week, but it is a division rival so look for a closer than expected game.
(0-3) L 28-27
Week 4 September 29,2024 @ San Francisco 49ers
Traveling to the home of the 2023 NFC Champions, a team with arguably the most well-rounded team talent wise, would be tough for anyone. A team with a rookie Head Coach, Jacoby Brissett at the helm and a group of wide receivers who are still trying to find their groove? Yeah, this one could be a blood bath, and not fun. The only redeemer about this game is Brady will potentially be in the booth.
(0-4) L 38-10
October (2-2)
Week 5 October 6, 2024, Miami Dolphins
The Dolphins come to town behind the arm of Tua Tagoviailoa and the fastest receiving corps in the league. But do you believe in miracles? I do. A New England Rainy October afternoon hinders Tua, and his receivers and the Patriots win on the backs of Stevenson and a few trick plays utilizing Milton’s speed. Plus, another potential for Brady to be in the Booth for this game as well. Tom calling the first Patriot win of 2024? The script could not be any more perfect.
(1-4) W 23-21
Week 6 October 13,2024 Houston Texans
Last year, the Houston Texans were basically the NFLs Cinderella, this season, the Patriots can hope that maybe they’ll fit that narrative. Me? I’m choosing to be more of a realist this year. Texans have more top end talent than the Patriots. Another close game, but another L.
(1-5) L 24-21
Week 7 October 20, 2024, Jacksonville Jaguars (IN LONDON)
Last Season, Belichick and the Patriots got straight embarrassed in Germany. This year, Belichick is gone, and Mac Jones is too. Ironically Mac is the backup for the Jags, and he’s said some inflammatory remarks towards the Patriots organization. Meh, f**k him. Pats win, for no other reason really than just F**K Mac Jones.
(2-5) W 28-21
Week 8 October 27, 2024, New York Jets
This one is simple. As much as I hate Aaron Rodgers, if he is the QB of all the talent on this Jets squad, I think the Jets take the season sweep of the AFC East rivalry. This game will be the game that tips the scales in my opinion. If Brissett still hasn’t found a way to make the offense work, look for this to be his last game as the starter.
(2-6) L 28-21
November (1-3)
Week 9 November 3, 2024 @ Tennessee Titans
The Titans have done a good job of getting talent to surround Will Levis, but I don’t think it will be enough. The Patriots defense will find a way and they’ll be hitting their stride at the right moment.
(3-6) W 21-3
Week 10 November 10, 2024 @ Chicago Bears
Drake Maye and Caleb Williams will face off in a Rookie Battle as the Patriots take on Da Bears in Chitown. Williams will be hitting his groove; Maye will be coming off a win in his first start so his confidence will be high. Ultimately, I think Chicago has just a hair more talent on the offensive side of the ball.
(3-7) 28-24
Week 11 November 17, 2024, LA Rams
Really don’t know what to say about this one. Matt Stafford, and Sean McVay vs. a Rookie Head coach and potentially a rookie QB? Could be a recipe for disaster for the Patriots.
(3-8) L 27-21
Week 12 November 24, 2024 @ Miami Dolphins
A game IN Miami has been a struggle for New England for the last 24 years, I don’t expect that to change anytime soon. Tua and the Dolphins will be in the thick of the AFC East race at this point in the season. Dolphins spread the field.
(3-9) L 38-21
December and January (2-3)
Week 13 December 1, 2024, Indianapolis Colts
Anthony Richardson will likely be the QB at the helm for the Colts. I don’t see the Colts going anywhere and I look for them to be the worst team in the AFC South. Dating back to the Manning days, Colts always seem to struggle in Foxboro. I look for that to continue this season, and the Patriots finish 3-1 against the AFC South.
(4-9). 28-14
Week 14 Bye Week
Finally, a much-needed Bye week for the Patriots. With 4 games left, and two of them coming against the Bills. It’ll be a rough final month of the seasons.
Week 15- December 15, 2024, Arizona Cardinals
The Pats will be coming off their refreshing bye week which should give them the advantage over an Arizona team who will be coming off a visit to division rival Seattle. Defense shuts down MHJ and Patriots send the Redbirds back to the Desert with an L.
(5-9) 38-17
Week 16 December 22, 2024 @ Buffalo Bills
Buffalo, Christmas week, Josh Allen and company fighting for playoff seeding and potentially homefield advantage? Yeah, it’s going to be a COLD night at Highmark.
(5-10) L 42-13
Week 17 TBA San Diego Chargers
Another team with a coach in his first year with the team, unfortunately for the Patriots this Coach happens to be coming off a season where his previous team won the National Championship, and he has a talented Offense led by Justin Herbert. I don’t see the Patriots winning this game.
(5-11) L 32-28.
Week 18 TBA Buffalo Bills
Second meeting in 3 weeks for the Patriots and Bills, bitter division rivals, Patriots were embarrassed two weeks prior and laughed out of Highmark Stadium. 20 years of being the Patriots punching bag really wore on the Bills and any chance they get; they are going to hit back. However, the seeding in the AFC is all locked up, so this game literally means nothing to the Bills, Josh Allen and the rest of the starters play *Maybe* one quarter. Patriots end the season on a high note by winning, but it’s almost like kissing your sister, it just doesn’t feel right.
(6-11) W 35-17
Final Thoughts:
Sure, this season is going to be rough. Sure, the Patriots are going to once again be one of the worst teams in the NFL, but I don’t think this a cause for concern. Mayo will figure it out by the end of the season. Drake Maye will be the full-time starter in 2025, and he will be good. We aren’t going back to the days of being the “Patsies”. We will come back and will be taking our AFC crown back.
SOURCES:
https://sports.yahoo.com/demario-douglas-shares-bold-goal-152139651.html
https://nesn.com/2024/08/patriots-legend-adds-context-to-jerod-mayos-drake-maye-comments/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2023_New_England_Patriots_season
https://www.sharpfootballanalysis.com/analysis/nfl-strength-of-schedule/.
https://www.cbsnews.com/boston/news/patriots-mayo-coaching-staff-2024-troy-brown-van-pelt-covington-nfl/
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