Before the start of the 2025 NFL season, many journalists did not think the New England Patriots would return to the Super Bowl. The team was already transitioning from the Tom Brady era and it seemed like they had a long road to go.
There were many questions on how the offense could play catch up to a top ten defensive unit. But somehow, the Patriots ended up in the big game thanks in large part to their quarterback and playmakers on both sides of the ball. Although they fell short, there is room to grow.
But a question remains: How can the Patriots run it back?
How Can the New England Patriots Run it Back?
It is hard for an NFL franchise to return to a Super Bowl after making an appearance there. But the Patriots do have a chance on numerous factors. The first one is that it is safe to say that they have found their franchise quarterback.
Maximizing the Development of Maye
Drake Maye is the real deal. After a rookie season that saw him start half of a season, he transitioned into a full-time superstar. The second year passer finished second in the NFL MVP race and put up numbers that not even Brady sustained in his second year.
He passed for 4,394 yards, 31 touchdowns and had eight interceptions. Had he not played the Seattle Seahawks defense, he might have actually won the whole thing. But the coaching staff will be maximizing his development. The offensive line failed to keep him upright as he was sacked an NFL-record 15 times in the postseason.
Building on the Defensive Momentum
Secondly, the New England Patriots will be looking to add on to their elite defensive unit. The New England Patriots as an organization was not known for their defense, but that has been changing. The group added free agents Milton Williams, Harold Landry III, and Carlton Davis III to bulk up their depth.
The defensive side of the ball was an asset. If Drake Maye is going to have a tough time getting going, the defense can give the offense more time on the field. They ranked eighth in total defense, surrendering 295.2 yards per contest. The Patriots also ranked fourth in rushing touchdowns allowed.
Defensive back Christian Gonzalez is a star in the making for the secondary. Although he suffered an injury early in the season, he is looking to take more responsibility as the Patriots try to take opposing receivers off their routes.
Improving the Protection on the O-Line
Like mentioned before, the coaching staff will be looking to add to the offensive line. Maye was under duress for most of the Super Bowl, thanks to the obsessive blitzing of the Seahawks. Morgan Moses and Garrett Bradbury (now with the Bears) had anchored the line, but their protection was poor down the stretch.
If the Patriots bulk up on the line, Maye will be able to deliver the football at a more timely manner and thus, they can have longer drives.
Unleash the Rushing Attack
Finally, the vaulted rushing attack is a surprising question mark. The team had two star runners in Rhamondre Stevenson and TreVeyon Henderon. The jumbo formation that the Patriots utilized got both backs to average 10 yards a carry on short-yardage. But opposing teams are going to figure it out.
New England is going to have to find more ways to utilize their rushing attack to take pressure off of the passing game. Both runners are dynamic and can inflict opposing defenses at will.
Main Image: Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images
