Copyright MassLive
FOXBOROUGH - With the NFL trade deadline Tuesday, there’s considerable interest in what the Patriots will do, given their AFC East-leading standing roughly at the midway point of the season. Few, if any, expected them to be 6-2, riding a five-game win streak at this juncture. The Patriots need to continue to fortify the roster in key areas, with pass rusher and running back among the top priorities. Before the frenzy, if there’s indeed a frenzy before the deadline, it’s a good time to take stock of what’s happened thus far. It’s a good time to give credit where credit is due. So without further ado, let’s rank who is most responsible for the Patriots’ 6-2 start: 1. Drake Maye He plays the most important position on the field. No one touches the ball more than the quarterback. And Maye has not only made a Year 2 leap, his performance level has gone through the roof. Heading into Week 9, he leads the NFL in passer rating (118.7) and completion percentage (75.2). His accuracy and deep ball throwing have been off the charts. He’s also fifth in passing yards (2,026) and tied for sixth in passing touchdowns (15). His athleticism and ability to run has made him a dangerous proposition for opposing defenses. His overall performance has put him in the MVP conversation. Without Maye, the Patriots would not be one of the surprise teams in the league. 2. Mike Vrabel The players have bought into his culture and whatever he’s been preaching. They play for Vrabel, and in short order, have gone from a four-win bottom feeder, to contender status. During his introductory press conference, Vrabel laid out some not-so-modest goals. He expected winning in the division, hosting home playoff games, and competing for championships to be on the Patriots radar sooner, rather than later. He’s made that happen in short order. His impact and influence has had a profound effect on the football team. Moreover, his decision-making in terms of the coaches to bring in, and players to sign in free agency - in conjunction with the front office - has also helped shape a successful team. 3. Josh McDaniels First and foremost, the Patriots offensive coordinator has done a masterful job with Maye. He’s been open to suggestions and tweaked his offense to have it better suited to Maye’s strengths. He’s also helped the cause with some savvy play-calling during games. While there was concern McDaniels’ offense was too complex, and it was a bad idea thrusting that upon Maye in Year 2, that narrative hasn’t played out. Maye has thrived under McDaniels. He’s an MVP candidate and one of the best quarterbacks in the league. 4. Maye’s weapons More than anything, the Patriots needed to surround Maye with better weapons. The addition of Stefon Diggs and Mack Hollins in free agency, along with Kayshon Boutte blossoming into a legitimate No. 2 receiver, has given Maye a competitive arsenal. Diggs has surprised given how quickly he was able to return from ACL surgery, not to mention his effectiveness. He’s added the element of having a No. 1 receiver and has made everyone around him better. Tight ends Hunter Henry and Austin Hooper, and slot receiver DeMario Douglas have also factored into the equation. 5. Maye’s protection For Maye to have a chance in 2025, the offensive line had to do a much better job than 2024. After coming onto the scene in Week 6 last year, Maye was constantly running for his life. Pass rushers - and blitzers - came in practically unscathed. This season, with rookies Will Campbell and Jared Wilson taking over at left tackle and left guard, Garrett Bradbury at center, Michael Onwenu at right guard and Morgan Moses at right tackle, the protection has improved. It’s still not great - 28 sacks in eight games - but it’s been better. Maye has also caused a few of those sacks. With Campbell holding his own on the blindside, Moses holding the fort on the right, it’s made a big difference. Maye looks more confident behind the line this year. 6. Marcus Jones When asked why it was important for the Patriots to lock up Jones, who signed a three-year contract extension, Mike Vrabel said Jones embodied “everything that we’re looking for here in a player, in a teammate, on the field, in the community.” Jones, one of the few holdovers from the past two regimes, was just named the AFC’s Defensive Player of the Month for October. He’s been a difference-maker on defense in every sense of the word. During the latest 4-0 run, he’s recorded 20 tackles, four tackles for loss, one sack, and two picks while being tied for the league-lead with eight passes defensed. 7. DT duo Christian Barmore and $104 million dollar man Milton Williams have been a great tag team in the middle of the Patriots defensive line. With Barmore and Williams up front, it’s no accident that no running back from an opposing team has rushed for 50 yards heading into Sunday’s Week 9 bout with the Atlanta Falcons. Williams is playing more than half of the defensive snaps for the first time in his pro career (66%) and hasn’t missed a beat. Defensive tackle Khyiris Tonga also deserves mention here. Along with Williams, he’s been another impactful free agent pickup. 8. Zak Kuhr The team’s inside linebackers coach was tasked with being the defensive play caller in wake of defensive coordinator Terrell Williams needing to take leave. Williams is being treated for prostrate cancer. Kuhr has filled in admirably. Williams has remained in contact and has occasionally sat in on meetings. But Kuhr, along with Mike Vrabel, is calling the shots on game day. Outside of the opposing team’s scripted opening drive - offenses have scored on 6 of 8 opening possessions - the defense has performed well, allowing just 18.3 points per game. It’s a credit to Kuhr that the unit has remained formidable in tough circumstances. 9. Christian Gonzalez Since the All-Pro cornerback returned to the lineup after missing the first three games due to a hamstring injury that lingered through training camp, the Patriots haven’t lost. Perhaps it’s a coincidence, but Gonzalez’ presence in the defensive backfield is a game-changer. Last week against the Cleveland Browns, he looked like he was pretty much back to being a top-notch shutdown corner. And that ability is huge for any defense. 10. Schedule Some might have the strength of schedule - or lack of such - in the top spot. The fact the Patriots have yet to play many good teams - Pittsburgh and Buffalo being the only teams with winning records - has certainly helped the cause. There’s no denying that. But the schedule sits down in the 10th spot because of how the Patriots have taken care of business. Having a soft schedule doesn’t guarantee wins. They’ve not only beat lesser opponents, they’ve crushed them.
