2023 Season-In-Review

Record: 4-13

It was a disastrous year for New England at the quarterback position. Neither Mac Jones or Bailey Zappe impressed as the Patriots starter out 1-5. It would not get easier as New England won just four games last season and landed the No. 3 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. The post-Bill Belichick era will include a new quarterback and a thin group of receivers. Can the defense do enough this season?

2024 New England Patriots Season Preview

Offense

Key Additions: QB Drake Maye, OB Jacoby Brissett, WR KJ Osborn, RB Antonio Gibson, WR Ja’Lynn Polk, TE Austin Hooper, OT Chukwuma Okorafor, G Nick Leverett

Key Losses: QB Mac Jones, RB Ezekiel Elliott, TE Mike Gesicki, OT Trent Brown, C James Ferentz

The New England Patriots gave the Mac Jones experiment one more year and it fell on its face. Jones was benched toward the end of the year and Bailey Zappe stepped in. This made the Patriots making a complete change at the quarterback position. They used the third-overall pick in the draft on Drake Maye while signing Jacoby Brissett in free agency.

All signs point to Brissett starting the season under center but it is clear that Maye is the quarterback of the future. There will not be many weapons to start the season on the outside. Kendrick Bourne is returning from a torn ACL while DeMario Douglas turned into a reliable weapon on the outside. Neither fit the bill as a true No. 1 receiver within the offense. Ja’Lynn Polk has a chance to turn into this but it is going to take some time.

Along the offensive line, Chukwuma Okorafor and Michael Onwenu are slated to be the starting tackles. This does not make for a strong line protecting the quarterback. Also, the run game could suffer as well.

Rhamondre Stevenson is back as the No. 1 back for New England and it added Antonio Gibson in free agency as well. He is a nice compliment as a pass catching back that can excel on third downs.

It was a four-win season for the Patriots last season. When looking at this offensive unit, it is hard to imagine a major jump in the standings.

Defense

Key Additions: DT Armon Watts, LB Sione Takitaki, S Jaylinn Hawkins

Key Losses: CB JC Jackson, S Jalen Mills, CB Myles Bryant, LB Mack Wilson

The defense in New England might have lost some talent on the field but it lost its biggest piece on the sideline. Belichick is not running the defense anyone and Jerod Mayo will step in. The former Patriot great will now be in charge of keeping the defense in a good place.

The unit will get a major boost with standout corner Christian Gonzalez returning from a season-ending injury. He showed flashes of being a true No. 1 corner and if that is the case, it gives the defense a major leg up. Gonzalez and Jonathan Jones are slated to be the starting corners in New England.

Can Jabrill Peppers repeat his success of last season without Belichick? He took his game to its highest level since entering the NFL under Belichick. Now, he will return to make up a quality duo at safety with Kyle Dugger.

As for the pass rush, it will get better and worse at the same time. Matthew Judon played just four games last season and will be back along the defensive line. He still finished with four sacks in limited action. Keion White and Deatrich Wise will make up depth but do not jump off the page. The Patriots made sure to lock up Christian Barmore along the defensive line in the offseason as well.

Schedule

Week 1: at Cincinnati Bengals

Week 2: vs. Seattle Seahawks

Week 3: at New York Jets – Thursday Night Football

Week 4: at San Francisco 49ers

Week 5: vs. Miami Dolphins

Week 6: vs. Houston Texans

Week 7: vs. Jacksonville Jaguars (London)

Week 8: vs. New York Jets

Week 9: at Tennessee Titans

Week 10: at Chicago Bears

Week 11: vs. Los Angeles Rams

Week 12: at Miami Dolphins

Week 13: vs. Indianapolis Colts

Week 14: BYE WEEK

Week 15: at Arizona Cardinals

Week 16: at Buffalo Bills

Week 17: vs. Los Angeles Chargers

Week 18: vs. Buffalo Bills

Record Prediction: 4-13