Jerod Mayo is correct.
The Patriots season shouldn’t be considered strictly by way of the lens of wins and losses. Who cares if New England beats the New York Jets in Week 8 solely to overlook the playoffs? Who cares if the Los Angeles Rams cowl a possible double-digit unfold in Week 11?
Is that one thing solely a loser would say? Perhaps.
However the rebuilding Patriots ought to be centered on improvement and progress, particularly because it pertains to their younger gamers.
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“A profitable season goes on the market, being aggressive every recreation and getting higher because the yr progresses,” Mayo instructed WEEI’s “Greg Hill Present” this week when requested how he measures success. “That is how I take a look at it.”
Aggressive is an efficient qualifier. We’re not saying the Patriots ought to be superb with getting blown out in 16 of their 18 video games. One- or two-possession losses, although? Not the worst factor, particularly if there’s eye-catching improvement.
Listed below are six issues that might be used to gauge whether or not the Patriots had a profitable season:
Drake Maye, duh
Veteran quarterback Jacoby Brissett will begin the season behind heart for the Patriots. It is the proper name in September, however who is aware of how lengthy that can final. If Maye replaces Brissett and exhibits traits much like these of a franchise signal-caller, the Patriots season is a hit. We’re not going to say the rookie must win X video games, or wants to exchange veteran Jacoby Brissett by Week X, or must throw X touchdowns. We’re merely searching for indicators of enchancment and a excessive ceiling. Maye definitely confirmed a few of these throughout coaching camp and his ultimate two preseason video games. Bear in mind the completion to Javon Baker over the center of the sector? Bear in mind the drop by Baker on a 50-plus yard throw from Maye? Bear in mind Maye’s lengthy third-down run to maneuver the chains? Bear in mind his off-platform throw down the sideline to Ok.J. Osborn, which was known as again as a consequence of a penalty? These stood out. If Maye places extra of these on tape it should function much-needed affirmation the Patriots are headed in the appropriate route.
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Younger receivers tackle expanded roles
Second-year wideout DeMario Douglas regarded like a reliable playmaker throughout coaching camp. Maye mentioned the shifty slotman may lose a defender in a cellphone sales space. If that proves to be the case, and if the 2023 sixth-round choose makes a noticeable second-year leap, that is an excellent signal for the offense. A lot of the identical could be mentioned about 2024 second-round choose Ja’Lynn Polk and Baker. Polk was far more constant in camp and the preseason whereas Baker made highlight-reel performs however did not stack days the identical means. Do both have to eclipse 1,000 yards like then-rookies Justin Jefferson or Ja’Marr Chase? No. But when Polk and/or Baker be part of Douglas and match the mildew of strong skill-position gamers, that is one other win.
Christian Gonzalez makes second-year leap
Gonzalez solely performed 4 video games his rookie season. The 2023 first-round choose regarded worthy of Defensive Rookie of the Yr consideration throughout that span, however some may view it as a small pattern dimension. Mayo and firm are totally assured within the second-year cornerback, and if Gonzalez locks down opponents’ high choices this season, it will cement that the Patriots have a long-term reply at one of the vital premier positions.
Patriots employees impresses in debut marketing campaign
The roster does not signify the one new faces in New England. Mayo enters his first season as head coach and offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt is looking performs for the primary time. It is not possible Mayo can be on the recent seat any time quickly, however it will go a great distance if he appears to be like like a wise, younger coach in his first marketing campaign. He is already been praised for a way he pertains to gamers, however what about his on-field decision-making? Van Pelt has extra of much less been labeled: Head Coach, Offense. Does he get essentially the most out of those that are on the sector? How does his run-heavy scheme fare? If these function huge enhancements from earlier seasons, the Patriots recognized their subsequent OC.
Making future plans
Eliot Wolf falls into the same bucket as New England’s employees. What’s going to we see from him? The primary-year govt vp of participant personnel won’t have put as many sources into the offensive line in free company, however made a wise transfer in buying and selling Matthew Judon for a third-round choose. Given the Patriots aren’t anticipated to be in playoff competition, may Wolf unload extra veteran items for picks forward of the commerce deadline? That will align with the rebuild.
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Youthful linemen stick
New England’s offensive line was one of many largest storylines this preseason. The Patriots can be in significantly better form getting into subsequent season if 2024 third-rounder Caedan Wallace showcases beginning potential at deal with (even proper deal with) and rookie fourth-rounder Layden Robinson proves himself to be a reliable contributor at guard. At the very least they’d add to Mike Onwenu and provides the Patriots three dependable starters getting into 2025 — relying on the way forward for beginning heart David Andrews. Then the Patriots concentrate on left deal with within the draft.