Three underrated reasons why Patriots have been successful this season

Entering Week 15, the Patriots are 11-2 and can clinch the AFC East with a victory against the Bills on Sunday.

At this point last season, however, the Patriots were in a much different place. They had a 3-10 record and were among the NFL's worst teams. Their rapid turnaround can be attributed to various factors. The obvious ones include the January hiring of head coach Mike Vrabel, the development of second-year quarterback Drake Maye and the signing of dozens of free agents.

But there are still many other reasons why the Patriots have vastly improved in just one season. Even though the media has chosen to focus less on certain aspects of the 2025 Patriots, that does not mean they aren't important. Here are three underrated reasons why New England is a better team in 2025.

The mastery of aggressive play-calling

Drake Maye's completion percentage above expectation (8.2 percent) ranks first in the league. Maye's average completed air yards, 7.3, is tied for second. Together, these stats tell us that the Patriots have been superb at completing deep passes down the field. 

In 2021, the last year New England made the playoffs, then-starter Mac Jones' ACAY was 5.7 and ranked 19th in the NFL. This year's offense is much different, and the playing style is far more aggressive. The Patriots are throwing the ball beyond the sticks more than ever, and with the precision of Maye, it has been an effective strategy.

Tackle Morgan Moses

The effects of one bad offensive lineman can negate the positive play of four good ones. Before the regular season, there was speculation whether 34-year-old Moses would be the spoiling lineman. 

Entering Week 15, however, it is clear that Moses proved his doubters wrong. He has by no means played at an elite level, ranking 33rd in Pro Football Focus' lineman rankings, but, to steal former Patriots head coach Bill Belichick's line, he has "done his job." Much of the team's success is owed to the veteran who has performed well above expectations.

Defensive play-caller Zak Kuhr

Terrell Williams was expected to be New England's defensive coordinator, but he stepped away in September due to health issues. Kuhr, the inside linebackers coach, assumed play-calling responsibilities shortly after and has done an excellent job. 

Per Patriots.com's Evan Lazar, Kuhr's blend of man-coverage and zone blitzes was a major reason for the Week 5 victory over the Buffalo Bills. His solid coaching since has kept the unit intact despite losing Williams. Good teams are defined by their ability to respond to adversity, and Kuhr's time as interim DC has saved the Patriots many headaches.