New England Patriots 2024 Preview

The New England Patriots enter the 2024 NFL season with more questions than answers, and for the first time in over two decades, they’re facing the reality of a complete rebuild. With a projected win total of just 4.5, the lowest in the league, the Patriots are no longer the powerhouse they once were.

However, with a new head coach, a fresh face at quarterback, and a defense that still has some bite, there’s a mix of uncertainty and cautious optimism around this team.

Let’s break down what to expect from the Patriots in 2024.

Key Insights and Team Overview

The Patriots are undergoing significant changes, especially on offense, while their defense remains their strongest asset. Here’s what you need to know:

Offensive Outlook

• Quarterback Situation:
  • Drake Maye: The Patriots used the third overall pick in the draft to select Drake Maye, a promising young quarterback with a strong arm and impressive athleticism. While his potential is sky-high, rookie quarterbacks often face a steep learning curve. Maye will need time to develop, and it’s unclear if he’s ready to lead this team right away.
  • Jacoby Brissett: Signed as a safety net, Brissett provides veteran experience in case Maye isn’t ready to start or struggles early on. He’s a solid, if unspectacular, option who can manage the game but won’t elevate the offense significantly.
• Offensive Line Concerns:
  • Left Tackle Issues: Trent Brown is gone, and his departure leaves a big hole on the offensive line. Chukwuma Okorafor, a former Steeler, steps in to protect Maye’s blindside. While Okorafor is serviceable, he’s not on Brown’s level, and the line allowed 48 sacks last season even with Brown in the mix.
  • Overall Line Performance: The rest of the offensive line returns, but the group struggled last year, particularly in run blocking, where they helped generate just 3.5 yards per carry. Improvement is needed across the board.
• Running Game:
  • Rhamondre Stevenson: Stevenson is the lone bright spot on an otherwise lackluster offense. He averaged over 4 yards per carry last season and will need to shoulder a significant load with Ezekiel Elliott no longer in the mix.
• Receiving Corps:
  • Wide Receiver Group: The Patriots’ receiving corps lacks star power. Last year’s leader in targets, Demario Douglas, returns after a modest 550-yard season. Kendrick Bourne is back but played only eight games in 2023. New additions include K.J. Osborn, who had over 500 yards with the Vikings, and rookie Jaylen Polk, a physical wideout expected to grow into a significant role. While this group has potential, they don’t exactly jump off the page.
  • Tight End Hunter Henry: Henry remains a reliable target, especially in the red zone, but his production alone won’t be enough to carry the passing game.

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Defensive Stability

• Defensive Strengths:
  • Front Seven: The Patriots’ defense remains the backbone of the team. Matthew Judon, who missed most of last season, returns and could be a game-changer if he stays healthy. Christian Barmore leads the defensive line with his 8.5 sacks last year, and Deatrich Wise and Davon Godchaux add depth and stability up front. The Patriots were the toughest team to run against last year, allowing just 3.3 yards per carry, and this unit should continue to be formidable.
  • Linebacker Corps: Ja’Whaun Bentley, the team’s leading tackler, is back and provides leadership in the middle. He also added 4.5 sacks, showing his ability to contribute in multiple areas.
• Secondary Depth:
  • Returning Stars: The secondary is a mix of continuity and young talent. Jonathan Jones and Kyle Dugger anchor the unit, with both players returning after solid seasons. Dugger, in particular, had a strong year with over 100 tackles and two interceptions.
  • Christian Gonzalez: The first-round pick showed promise in limited action last year and will be expected to take a big step forward. If he can stay healthy, he could become a key piece in the Patriots’ defensive backfield.

Season Outlook

The Patriots are a team in transition, and the uncertainty at key positions, particularly quarterback and offensive line, could lead to a challenging season. Here’s a breakdown of their potential floor and ceiling for 2024:

• Win Total Floor: 2 Wins
  • Why? With a rookie quarterback, a questionable offensive line, and a receiving corps that lacks playmakers, the Patriots could struggle mightily, especially against tougher opponents. A 2-15 record is not out of the question, which would likely result in a top draft pick in 2025.
• Win Total Ceiling: 7 Wins
  • Why? If Drake Maye adapts quickly to the NFL and the defense performs at a high level, the Patriots could surprise some teams and reach 7 wins. This would be considered a significant achievement given the state of their roster.

Final Thoughts

The New England Patriots are in the early stages of a rebuild, and 2024 will likely be a season of growing pains. While their defense should keep them in games, the offense has too many question marks to expect much success this year. Patriots fans will need to be patient as the team looks to develop its young talent and lay the foundation for future success.

Key Points Recap

• Drake Maye is the new face of the franchise, but expect growing pains in his rookie season.
• The offensive line has significant concerns, particularly at left tackle.
• Rhamondre Stevenson remains the key to the Patriots’ ground game.
• The receiving corps lacks star power but has some potential with K.J. Osborn and rookie Jaylen Polk.
• The defense is still the strength of the team, with Matthew Judon and Christian Barmore leading the charge.
• Win total projection: 2 to 7 wins, depending on how well the offense develops and if the defense can carry the team.

The 2024 season may be tough for the Patriots, but it’s also an opportunity to build for the future.