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Even with the addition of star wide receiver A.J. Brown, the New England Patriots are still viewed as one of the five least improved teams in the NFL in a recent ESPN piece.
The Seattle Seahawks, the team that ultimately defeated the Patriots in Super Bowl LX, are also on that list.
Most of the skepticism surrounding the Patriots heading into the 2026 season is the massive jump in schedule difficulty. They had one of the easiest schedules in the NFL last season. However, this time, they will have a long line of potential playoff contenders to face, including the Seahawks, Jacksonville Jaguars, Pittsburgh Steelers and Buffalo Bills in the first four weeks of the season.
ESPN's Aaron Schatz wrote:
"Last year, the Patriots had the fourth-easiest schedule since 1977 by average DVOA of opponent. In 2026, their schedule projects to be roughly average. That's a big difference. It's also reasonable to expect some statistical regression from the offense after the massive step forward quarterback Drake Maye took in 2025, even if he will now have wide receiver A.J. Brown to target."
A counterargument to this would be the moves made so far in the offseason.
The additions of Brown and Romeo Doubs will give the Patriots the best receiving corps they've had in years. They've improved along the offensive line and added a promising young tight end in rookie third-round pick Eli Raridon. Reggie Gilliam at fullback should help boost a strong rushing attack that still has Rhamondre Stevenson and TreVeyon Henderson.
On defense, the Patriots added First-Team All-Pro safety Kevin Byard to an already elite unit. They also spent a second-round draft pick on rookie edge rusher Gabe Jacas to help improve the pass rush. New England might not win 14 games next season, but they are positioned to compete for a second straight year.
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This article originally appeared on Patriots Wire: ESPN analyst throws cold water on Patriots' 2026 offseason moves
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The Seattle Seahawks, the team that ultimately defeated the Patriots in Super Bowl LX, are also on that list.
Most of the skepticism surrounding the Patriots heading into the 2026 season is the massive jump in schedule difficulty. They had one of the easiest schedules in the NFL last season. However, this time, they will have a long line of potential playoff contenders to face, including the Seahawks, Jacksonville Jaguars, Pittsburgh Steelers and Buffalo Bills in the first four weeks of the season.
ESPN's Aaron Schatz wrote:
"Last year, the Patriots had the fourth-easiest schedule since 1977 by average DVOA of opponent. In 2026, their schedule projects to be roughly average. That's a big difference. It's also reasonable to expect some statistical regression from the offense after the massive step forward quarterback Drake Maye took in 2025, even if he will now have wide receiver A.J. Brown to target."
A counterargument to this would be the moves made so far in the offseason.
The additions of Brown and Romeo Doubs will give the Patriots the best receiving corps they've had in years. They've improved along the offensive line and added a promising young tight end in rookie third-round pick Eli Raridon. Reggie Gilliam at fullback should help boost a strong rushing attack that still has Rhamondre Stevenson and TreVeyon Henderson.
On defense, the Patriots added First-Team All-Pro safety Kevin Byard to an already elite unit. They also spent a second-round draft pick on rookie edge rusher Gabe Jacas to help improve the pass rush. New England might not win 14 games next season, but they are positioned to compete for a second straight year.
Follow Patriots Wire on Twitter and Facebook.
This article originally appeared on Patriots Wire: ESPN analyst throws cold water on Patriots' 2026 offseason moves
Continue reading...
