The New England Patriots are garnering significant buzz as a prime candidate to improve in 2025. Another voice added to that sentiment.
On Wednesday, Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer identified the Patriots as one of the teams he’s hearing the most about behind the scenes. The NFL insider told Rich Eisen that he’s “fascinated” by the Patriots and their Week 1 opponent, the Las Vegas Raiders.
“I think both those teams are going to be better,” Breer said on “The Rich Eisen Show.” “Now, how much better, we’ll see.”
Breer believes New England’s success will hinge on Drake Maye’s second-year progression under head coach Mike Vrabel. He cited the quarterback as a significant reason why Vrabel returned to Foxboro.
“A lot of it depends on how big of a jump Drake Maye takes,” Breer said. “But I just know this: Drake Maye was seen as a pretty attractive bargaining chip for the Patriots on the coaching market and a pretty important piece for why Mike Vrabel picked New England. I just know people in the league think a lot of him.”
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Breer called New England’s offensive line a “big question” but feels the defense “has a chance to be really good.” He wouldn’t be surprised if the Patriots power their way to a markedly improved record from last season’s 4-13.
“With TreVeyon Henderson and Rhamondre Stevenson in the backfield, they’ve got a chance to play a certain brand of football that Vrabel is familiar with,” Breer said. “Where I can see him coaching them right into the .500 range.”
The Patriots winning eight or nine games may not be a huge stretch, as they’re favored to win 11 of their matchups against manageable competition. That includes the Raiders, who are also looking to redeem a last-place finish behind a new head coach.
Breer doesn’t seem to think the Patriots should take the Raiders lightly. He feels Pete Carroll and an “underrated” Geno Smith will lead an improved offense that returns star tight end Brock Bowers and drafted first-round running back Ashton Jeanty.
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