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New England Patriots 2025 NFL Season Preview
New England Patriots 2025 NFL Season Preview originally appeared on Athlon Sports. [Editor's note: This article is from Athlon Sports' 2025 NFL Preview Magazine. Order your copy today online or pick one up at retail racks and newsstands nationwide.] Advertisement The New England Patriots didn't undergo a complete makeover this offseason, but it's safe to say that head coach Mike Vrabel and de facto general manager Eliot Wolf just about tore the franchise down to the studs — quarterback Drake Maye, cornerback Christian Gonzalez and some other foundational elements — with the hope of building back another championship team in its place. Vrabel takes over from another former New England linebacker in Jerod Mayo, who went 4-13 in his one season at the helm while proving to be the latest example of 'Don't be the guy who follows the guy.' As a result, the post-Bill Belichick hangover still lingers over this franchise, but the shadow of the old coach doesn't loom as large as it once did. More NFL team previews AFC East: Bills | Dolphins | Jets | Patriots AFC North: Bengals | Browns | Ravens | Steelers AFC South: Colts | Jaguars | Texans | Titans AFC West: Broncos | Chargers | Chiefs | Raiders Advertisement NFC East: Commanders | Cowboys | Eagles | Giants NFC North: Bears | Lions | Packers | Vikings NFC South: Buccaneers | Falcons | Panthers | Saints NFC West: 49ers | Cardinals | Rams | Seahawks The Patriots were hyper-aggressive in free agency, landing blue-chip talent and high-character locker room guys on both sides of the ball. They weren't shy about parting with established veterans, getting rid of some of their last links to the Super Bowl era. And they went hard in the draft, going after help for Maye and creating another layer of depth on all three levels of defense. The result? A sense of guarded optimism. That, mixed with Vrabel's brand of swagger and enthusiasm for the rebuild, has created a heightened sense of expectation. Only one team has won fewer games than the Patriots since the start of the 2023 season, so there's nowhere to go but up, right? 'We all want to win. That's why we're here,' Vrabel says. 'That's why I got hired; it's to win, to put a product on the field [fans] can be excited about, that they can care about, and they can support. Like, that's the whole goal. And I don't think they should have to wait very long.' Offense Vrabel brought back offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, who has been charged with guiding Maye and the rest of the New England attack. The third overall pick in 2024, Maye underwent his share of growing pains as a rookie thanks in large part to a woeful offensive line and a lack of skill-position players around him. If McDaniels can figure out a way to get Maye to the next level, it'll represent a sizable step in the right direction for one of the worst offenses in the league last year. New Patriots head coach Mike VrabelEric Canha-Imagn Images One thing that will help is a retooled offensive line. The Patriots started 12 different offensive linemen last year, two shy of the all-time record. They landed veteran offensive linemen Morgan Moses (right tackle), Wes Schweitzer (guard) and Garrett Bradbury (center) in free agency. The hope is they can fit with some of the holdovers like Mike Onwenu (right guard) and Cole Strange (left guard), as well as rookies Will Campbell (left tackle) and Jared Wilson (center). Advertisement When it comes to the skill-position players, they shored up the receiving corps with veterans Stefon Diggs and Mack Hollins and rookie Kyle Williams. That group, as well as holdovers Kendrick Bourne, DeMario Douglas, Kayshon Boutte, Ja'Lynn Polk and Javon Baker, will engage in some of the fiercest position battles on the roster. Most teams usually lean on six receivers, which means two familiar faces won't be around when the season begins. There's also a spicy position battle brewing at running back, as second-round pick TreVeyon Henderson will fight with established vets Rhamondre Stevenson and Antonio Gibson for reps this season. The one area that will likely remain status quo is tight end, where Hunter Henry (one of Maye's favorite targets in 2024) and Austin Hooper deliver an adequate 1-2 punch. Defense On defense, Vrabel and new coordinator Terrell Williams have changed the scheme — and personnel. For years under Belichick — as well as last year's plan with Mayo — the Patriots' defensive linemen were more about occupying space in a 3-4 alignment to free things up for the linebackers. Now, they're eying a more attacking, disruptive playing style, particularly for the defensive line. Advertisement But at the end of the day, a lot of the success or failure of this defense will hinge on the health and continued development of two players: Gonzalez and defensive lineman Christian Barmore. Gonzalez has emerged as a No. 1 corner, capable of putting the clamps on elite receivers on a regular basis. Meanwhile, Barmore was sidelined for much of last year with blood clot issues. If he can return at 100%, his ability to get after opposing passers while remaining stout against the run would bring an added three-down dimension to the defense that no one else on the roster can match. Eagles Super Bowl LIX hero Milton Williams meets with Patriots media after signing a free-agent deal with New Canha-Imagn Images In addition, free-agent pickups Milton Williams and Khyiris Tonga, as well as Barmore and fourth-round pick Joshua Farmer, should make for a beefed-up interior that will keep offensive line coaches busy game-planning. Edge defenders like Keion White, Harold Landry III and Anfernee Jennings are expected to round out the bulk of the defensive front. Linebacker Robert Spillane and cornerbacks Gonzalez and Carlton Davis III, a free-agent pickup from Detroit, figure to lead the second level. Safety has remained the most stable position for New England the last few seasons, and that should be the case again with veterans Jabrill Peppers and Kyle Dugger. Specialists When it comes to special teams, changes are coming, as the rookie long-snapper Julian Ashby replaces veteran Joe Cardona and rookie kicker Andres Borregales steps in for Joey Slye. Punter Bruce Baringer and gunner Brenden Schooler remain; the duo were the best and most consistent part of the Patriots' special teams units the last two seasons. Gibson and reserve cornerback Marcus Jones will be involved on returns. Final Analysis So much hinges on a few key elements: Maye's continued growth. The ability of Campbell to handle the responsibilities of the left tackle spot. If Barmore can return at 100% after a bout with blood clots. The truth of the matter is that if the Patriots aren't able to answer those questions, they could be bound for another four-win season and more instability. Advertisement But if everything breaks right and the Patriots stay healthy, eight or nine wins aren't out of the question, given the schedule and improved roster. That would represent a step in the right direction for a franchise that aims to return to greatness sooner rather than later. 'We have to improve. I mean, I think that's the goal,' Vrabel says. 'Our expectations aren't going to change; it's going to be to win the division, it's going to be host playoff games, and it's going to be to compete for championships. So we're never going to put a timetable or any sort of prediction on when that may happen. But it has to happen. 'We're going to build a program, we're going to have a foundation, we're going to give them something to believe in and be proud of. And hopefully, they are able to hold each other accountable to that standard.' More NFL team previews AFC East: Bills | Dolphins | Jets | Patriots AFC North: Bengals | Browns | Ravens | Steelers AFC South: Colts | Jaguars | Texans | Titans AFC West: Broncos | Chargers | Chiefs | Raiders NFC East: Commanders | Cowboys | Eagles | Giants NFC North: Bears | Lions | Packers | Vikings NFC South: Buccaneers | Falcons | Panthers | Saints NFC West: 49ers | Cardinals | Rams | Seahawks Related: Athlon Sports 2025 NFL Preview Magazine Now Available This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 16, 2025, where it first appeared.
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13 hours ago
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Miami Dolphins 2025 NFL Season Preview
Miami Dolphins 2025 NFL Season Preview originally appeared on Athlon Sports. [Editor's note: This article is from Athlon Sports' 2025 NFL Preview Magazine. Order your copy today online or pick one up at retail racks and newsstands nationwide.] Advertisement The weather isn't the only thing warm in South Florida. Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel and general manager Chris Grier might want to check the temperature of their seats. The tandem was brought back after a disappointing 8-9 2024 season, but owner Stephen Ross' statement, released about an hour after last season's finale, made it clear that the status quo was not acceptable. Miami remains the franchise with the NFL's longest playoff win drought, last winning a postseason game on Dec. 30, 2000. The franchise did make wild-card appearances in the 2022 and '23 seasons, but after failing to make the playoffs in '24, merely sneaking in and bowing out in the first round this season would feel like a positive trend. More NFL team previews AFC East: Bills | Dolphins | Jets | Patriots AFC North: Bengals | Browns | Ravens | Steelers AFC South: Colts | Jaguars | Texans | Titans AFC West: Broncos | Chargers | Chiefs | Raiders Advertisement NFC East: Commanders | Cowboys | Eagles | Giants NFC North: Bears | Lions | Packers | Vikings NFC South: Buccaneers | Falcons | Panthers | Saints NFC West: 49ers | Cardinals | Rams | Seahawks One reason for pessimism: The roster, on paper, doesn't stack up to those of recent Dolphins teams. Three-time All-Pro and seven-time Pro Bowl cornerback Jalen Ramsey is certain to be traded away. Another possible future Hall of Famer, defensive lineman Calais Campbell, fled to the Arizona Cardinals while still playing at a high level at age 38. His departure and the retirement of five-time Pro Bowl left tackle Terron Armstead create a huge leadership void. The most high-profile remaining veteran, wide receiver Tyreek Hill, is now at a point where he creates more off-field distractions than on-field production after failing to reach 1,000 receiving yards in 2024 and missing the Pro Bowl for the first time in his career. Offense The most important factor for the Dolphins offense is quarterback Tua Tagovailoa's availability. He missed six games in 2024 — four due to an IR stint for a concussion and two more with a hip injury at the end of the season. Miami was 2-4 in those games. Advertisement Although he led the league in completion percentage a year after directing the league's No. 1 passing offense, Tagovailoa's play left much to be desired. But his presence still matters a great deal to this offense. Dolphins head coach Mike McDanielVincent Carchietta-Imagn Images Uploaded: If Tagovailoa misses time again, new No. 2 Zach Wilson's familiarity with a similar offense under offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur with the New York Jets can only help. Wilson, though, still feels more like a project than a proven, veteran backup who can keep a season afloat if Tagovailoa is sidelined again. The wide receiver tandem of Hill and Jaylen Waddle could use a resurgence to its form from the pair's first two years together. They were unable to beat a variety of bracket coverages deriving from two-high-safety looks last season. Advertisement One facet that can help is the addition of Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, who gives the receiving corps a bigger-bodied red-zone threat to complement the smaller, speedy Hill and Waddle. Westbrook-Ikhine is also touted for his blocking, which can help open up a struggling run game. Tight end Jonnu Smith, who broke Dolphins records at the position last year with 88 receptions for 884 yards and eight touchdowns, can also take some of the heat off Hill and Waddle, but Smith, Miami's lone Pro Bowl selection last season, is a liability as a blocker. Miami boasts a big-play run game with running back De'Von Achane — but it's very hit or miss. The Dolphins don't convert well in short-yardage situations, and while Achane can hit the home run, he gets tackled behind the line of scrimmage too often. The offseason started with Grier saying he needed to invest in the offensive line. He dished out his biggest contract in the first wave of free agency to guard James Daniels, who's coming off a torn Achilles early last season with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Grier also traded up in the second round of the draft to take another guard in Arizona's Jonah Savaiinaea. Liam Eichenberg re-signed, but he will have to be better to retain his starting spot. Armstead's retirement means that 2024 second-round pick Patrick Paul, who was still raw as a rookie and needs to make strides, is the new starting left tackle. Defense The Ramsey trade talks greatly impact coordinator Anthony Weaver's defense. Ramsey was used as what Weaver called an 'ultimate chess piece.' The Dolphins will no longer have a versatile shutdown corner to put on an opponent's top receiving threat or slide inside to play the nickel and even blitz from that position. Advertisement Aside from nickel Kader Kohou, it's a brand-new secondary in Miami. Safety Jevon Holland departed to the New York Giants in free agency; safety Jordan Poyer is a free agent who may retire; and cornerback Kendall Fuller was released. New safety Ifeatu Melifonwu can be that versatile defender in the secondary, capable of playing in the box, on the boundary as a corner, over the slot and in the traditional safety roles. His problem has been staying healthy. Miami also brought in a ball hawk in Ashtyn Davis at safety. Special teamer and reserve Elijah Campbell and second-year safety Patrick McMorris will also compete for playing time. The Dolphins are sure to scour the remaining free-agent cornerback market for a starter, while youngsters Cam Smith and Storm Duck vie for a starting spot. Defensive tackle Zach Sieler anchors the defensive line, and he is coming off back-to-back double-digit sack seasons, underscoring that he is a consistent interior pass-rusher to go with his prowess in defending the run. He has been joined by an infusion of youth on the defensive line, as Miami used the No. 13 pick of the draft on Michigan defensive tackle Kenneth Grant and added a fifth-rounder (Jordan Phillips) and seventh-rounder (Zeek Biggers). Dolphins linebacker Chop Robinson (44) celebrates with teammates after a defensive play during the third quarter against the Houston Texans last Taormina-Imagn Images Chop Robinson, a first-round pick in 2024, is coming off a six-sack season that saw him finish fifth in Defensive Rookie of the Year voting, but he needs to set the edge better against the run. The Dolphins hope fellow edge rushers Jaelan Phillips and Bradley Chubb can return to some semblance of their former selves following their respective torn ACLs. Chubb's injury occurred late in 2023 and cost him all of last season. Advertisement The Dolphins defense has a rock in the middle in linebacker Jordyn Brooks and his 132 tackles. Miami has shuffled through inside linebackers next to him, but Tyrel Dodson finished strong there last season and looks to hold off newcomers K.J. Britt and Willie Gay Jr. Specialists Kicker Jason Sanders was exceptional in 2024, making 90% of his field-goal attempts, including 12-of-14 from beyond 50 yards. New special teams coordinator Craig Aukerman has brought in his former punter — the Tennessee Titans' Ryan Stonehouse, who has one of the bigger legs in the NFL but still has to beat out incumbent Jake Bailey. Second-year receiver Malik Washington should be solid in the return game. Aukerman will have to get the Dolphins' kickoff and punt coverage units in order, though. Final Analysis With a net loss of talent on the roster, it'll take McDaniel, Tagovailoa, Hill and others to be at their best, or it will be another season of hovering around .500 and hoping for help in Week 18 to sneak into the playoffs. Advertisement More NFL team previews AFC East: Bills | Dolphins | Jets | Patriots AFC North: Bengals | Browns | Ravens | Steelers AFC South: Colts | Jaguars | Texans | Titans AFC West: Broncos | Chargers | Chiefs | Raiders NFC East: Commanders | Cowboys | Eagles | Giants NFC North: Bears | Lions | Packers | Vikings NFC South: Buccaneers | Falcons | Panthers | Saints NFC West: 49ers | Cardinals | Rams | Seahawks Related: Athlon Sports 2025 NFL Preview Magazine Now Available This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 16, 2025, where it first appeared.
