"Expectations for the New England Patriots have grown throughout the offseason, and it's not hard to detect why. The franchise has experienced an immediate culture shift under head coach Mike Vrabel, and the anticipation for quarterback Drake Maye's first full season as the starter has been palpable in Foxboro and beyond. The preseason chatter around the team has centered on the coach, quarterback, and offense as a whole."
"From the return of Josh McDaniels as coordinator and play caller, to the addition of a true No. 1 wide receiver in Stefon Diggs, to key rookie draft picks like LT Will Campbell, RB TreVeyon Henderson, WR Kyle Williams, and LG Jared Wilson, the Patriots suddenly feel like a team that should be taken seriously in the AFC pecking order. There's no doubt that the team's biggest question marks reside on defense. Using the Patriots' unofficial depth chart as a guide, the team will open the year with nine new starters."
"The allure of Williams was easy to see. The chance to add a young, ascending interior pass rusher fresh off a Super Bowl title is rare in the NFL. Still, it was an aggressive move by the Patriots to commit over $100 million to a player who has yet to play more than 500 snaps in the regular season, per Pro Football Focus."
A clear culture shift under head coach Mike Vrabel has raised expectations for the New England Patriots entering the season. Quarterback Drake Maye prepares for his first full year as the starter amid offensive optimism. Offensive boosts include Josh McDaniels returning as coordinator, the addition of Stefon Diggs, and several key rookie draft picks. Defensive questions loom large, with nine projected new starters and cornerback Christian Gonzalez sidelined by a hamstring issue. Marcus Jones may be the only player to start both 2024 and 2025. A major free-agent commitment to Milton Williams adds talent but also financial and snap-count uncertainty.
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