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New England Patriots: Has the new era officially begun?
Jun 9, 2025; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs (8) and offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels walk to the practice fields at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images

The New England Patriots sent a message to the entire NFL last night with their win over the Buffalo Bills. Drake Maye looks like an absolute superstar at the quarterback position, the defense is firing on all cylinders, and it looks as though Coach Mike Vrabel has finally turned this organization around. Over the past few seasons, New England has had some terrible losses, and have looked nothing like the dynasty that fans have come to know and love. However, this off-season felt different than all the others. The Patriots spent huge money on big time free agents, hired a great coaching staff, led by Mike Vrabel, and it is also looking like they hit on multiple draft picks. So the question remains, what could the rest of the season look like? Let’s dive in.

The Josh McDaniels Offense looks elite

Patriots’ Offensive Coordinator Josh McDaniels has always been an offensive mastermind, and he is showing how successful his offense can be with an athletic quarterback like Drake Maye. Over the first few weeks of the season, Drake Maye is being talked about as an MVP Candidate, and a huge part of that is the way McDaniels is helping him succeed. The scheme of McDaniels offense has been incredibly entertaining to watch through five weeks, and many fans are very excited to see how it progresses through eighteen weeks. Once McDaniels gets deep into his play calling bag, opposing defenses should be on red alert for what he will be able to accomplish with Drake Maye.

Stefon Diggs is turning back into a number one weapon


Sep 7, 2025; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs (8) practices before the game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images

After years of struggling to find a number one receiver, it looks like the Patriots have finally found their star in Stefon Diggs. Diggs has been slowly ramping up after coming back from a torn ACL, and last night against Buffalo looked just like his old self. After racking up 146 yards on the night, he has shown that he can dominate in this McDaniels Offense. New England finally having a number one weapon shows the beginning of the new era under Mike Vrabel, and fans everywhere couldn’t be more excited.

Drake Maye is the present and future of the Patriots


Oct 27, 2024; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye (10) runs the ball for a touchdown against the New York Jets in the first quarter at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images

When Drake Maye was selected third overall in the Draft, fans hoped he was the future, and when looking at his tools to play the position, their hope was justified. Now in year two, under a great quarterback developer in Josh McDaniels, Maye is showing why he is the present and future in New England. He consistently makes insane throws, and shows off his athleticism by escaping the pocket and throwing on the run. He has drawn many comparisons to Josh Allen, and last night he went into Buffalo and took over the game. It was incredible to watch Maye prove all of his fans right and show that he is a future face of the league, and potential MVP player down the road.

The new era of the Patriots is now


Apr 24, 2025; Green Bay, WI, USA; NFL commissioner Roger Goodell with LSU Tigers offensive lineman Will Campbell after he is selected by the New England Patriots as the number four pick in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

The Patriots last three first round draft picks have all looked like home runs so far. Christian Gonzalez who is a top three corner in the entire NFL. Drake Maye who looks like a potential MVP at the most important position in sports. And Will Campbell who looks like a franchise left tackle that is already a leader in the locker room. With this base of stars and many more that have emerged this season, such as Milton Williams and the defense as a whole, the Patriots could make some serious noise this season. After watching them beat one of the league’s Super Bowl contenders in the Bills last night, many people believe the Patriots could very well be in the playoff mix when December and January roll around. New England fans everywhere have a lot to look forward to this season, and if the Patriots get into the playoffs, this is a team that nobody is going to want to play.

This article first appeared on Gridiron Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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