Five Patriots are finalists for AP awards after remarkable turnaround

The New England Patriots have had a miraculous turnaround in the 2025 season. One year removed from their horrid four-win 2024 campaign, the Pats have done a complete 180, finishing the regular season with 14 wins and a chance to return to the Super Bowl this Sunday. While certainly a team accomplishment, the Patriots have been propelled by several standout individual performances this season, with five team members nominated for several AP Awards. 

Mike Vrabel: Coach of the Year

Starting with the head coach, Mike Vrabel has easily been New England’s greatest asset this season. Team owner Robert Kraft lauded him for establishing a winning culture and instilling a team-first mentality among his players.

After such a disastrous 2024, Vrabel’s efforts have been nothing short of miraculous, as in addition to the win total improving from four to 14, his player-management skills have been on full display this season, as it is clear that Patriots players have loved playing (and winning) for him.

Josh McDaniels: Assistant Coach of the Year

In addition to Vrabel, offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels has been paramount to New England’s success. After returning to the Patriots after a four-year hiatus, McDaniels has worked wonders in both New England’s offense and Drake Maye’s development. 

McDaniels’ efforts are clear. According to PFF, the Patriots were the most improved team in EPA in 2025, going from 26th to second. EPA, or expected points added, measures how much an offensive playcall impacts a team’s chance of scoring. Along with their dramatic rise in EPA, the Patriots ranked third in the league in total offense, averaging 379.4 yards and 28.8 points per game. 

Drake Maye: MVP and Offensive Player of the Year

Maye has easily been New England’s best player this year. Seemingly overnight, Maye has become one of the best QBs in the league, both through the air and on the ground. In addition to his 4,394 yards and 31 touchdowns, Maye led the league in completion percentage, yards per attempt, passer rating and QBR. Maye’s rushing abilities were also fully realized this season, as the second-year man ran for 450 yards and four rushing touchdowns. 

Even if Maye doesn’t take home the MVP this year, he has quickly established himself as one of the best quarterbacks in the league. New England is lucky to have him, as much of its current and future success will come from his play. 

TreVeyon Henderson: Offensive Rookie of the Year

After a slow start to the season, TreVeyon Henderson hit a completely different gear toward November, as the former Ohio State Buckeye finished 2025 with 911 rushing yards, 221 receiving yards and 10 total touchdowns. 

Despite his initial struggles, Henderson has lived up to his billing as a home run-level playmaker, forming quite the one-two punch with Rhamondre Stevenson, leading New England to having one of the best running back tandems in the league.

Stefon Diggs: Comeback Player of the Year

Coming off a torn ACL season with the Houston Texans, there were several question marks about Diggs heading into 2025. Diggs, however, silenced any doubt with his play on the field. Diggs finished the 2025 season with 1,013 yards and four touchdowns, including going for 146 against the Bills and 138 against Baltimore. 

In addition to his play, Vrabel has celebrated him as a great leader within the Patriots locker room. It is no secret that Diggs has been crucial to the Patriots’ success, as he established himself as the WR1 that New England needed. 

Fans will have to wait and see whether any Patriots are named winners, as the NFL Honors show will air on Feb. 5.