The new england patriots lost 13 games and their legendary head coach, making the 2023 season a complete loss.
The last-place patriots were also on the list of losers from this season, joining AFC east rivals buffalo and new york among others, according to sports illustrated. New england, which started the season 1-5, had a difficult time scoring points. The patriots (13.9) struggled to score more than seven points in six of their 17 games, including two shutout losses at home, despite the NFL’s lowest scoring offense. With a 17-3 loss to the jets in the final, new england lost three of its last four games, putting an end to the lost season.
In bill Belichick’s last game as patriots’ head coach, new york snapped a 15-game losing streak in the head-to-head series. in a week 4 loss to dallas, two key defensive starters were lost to season-ending injuries. Christian Gonzalez, a first-round rookie cornerback, seemed like a draft gem until tearing his labrum and tearing his biceps, while lauded pass rusher Matthew Judon suffered a biceps injury. With gonzalez and Judon expected to make strong recoveries, the defense, which has been under the direction of new head coach jerod mayo, seems to be in good shape.
The team’s defense, on the other hand, needs a major upgrade. Rhamondre stevenson, a running back who was injured during the stretch, is a foundational player for a team that lacks proven playmakers.
For a new england team that finished 28th out of 32 on passing offense (180.5), the quarterback is likely the top offseason priority. The patriots currently hold the no. 1 spot, according to si. With the first two picks, the three overall picks in the 2024 nfl draft are projected to be eliminated, as well as the two franchise field generals.
If quarterbacks caleb williams and drake maye are unable to play when new england hits the clock, it will most likely have to find a replacement for mac jones and bailey zappe on the free agent market or through trade.
Last year, jones and zappe combined for 16 total touchdown passes and 21 interceptions, allowing them to pass for 6.1 yards per pass. “new england didn’t land a top-two draft pick, putting the miserable season in jeopardy,” si writes. The bears and commanders are expected to draft williams and drake maye as future star quarterbacks.
The patriots are ranked no. 1 in the NFL. 3, will have to choose between the third-best quarterback, taking the best available quarterback, or trading down. And they’ll have to make this decision without Belichick, who has been out for 24 seasons in new england. During the first season of the post-belichick era, rookie coach Jerod mayo will be on guard.
