NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS
2023 Record - 4-13
Head Coach - Jerod Mayo
Key Additions - Drake Maye (QB), Jacoby Brissett (QB), Antonio Gibson (RB), K.J. Osborn (WR), Austin Hooper (TE), Joey Slye (K)
Key Losses - Matthew Judon (LB), Myles Bryant (DB), Mike Gesicki (TE), Mac Jones (QB), DeVante Parker (WR), JuJu Smith-Schuster (WR), Lawrence Guy (DL), J.C. Jackson (DB)
2023 STATS LINE
PASSING - Mac Jones (2,120 yards, 10 TD, 12 INT)
RUSHING - Ezekiel Elliott (642 yards, 3.5 ypc, 3 TD), Rhamondre Stevenson (619 yards, 4.0 ypc, 4 TD)
RECEIVING - Demario Douglas (49 receptions, 561 yards)
SACKS - Christian Barmore (8 1/2)
INTERCEPTIONS - Kyle Dugger (2), Jabrill Peppers (2), Jahlani Tavai (2)
OUTLOOK FOR 2024 - After a 24-year glorious run, the Bill Belichick era is over in New England. The Patriots parted ways with the future Hall-of-Fame head coach and Jerod Mayo is the new man on the sidelines this year.
The Patriots offense will likely have veteran journeyman quarterback Jacoby Brissett as the starter until first round draft pick Drake Maye (North Carolina) is ready. Rhamondre Stevenson is the top running back and wide receivers include Kendrick Bourne, Demario Douglas, K.J. Osborn (48 receptions, 540 yards, 3 TD with Minnesota Vikings), rookie Ja'Lynn Polk (Washington) and tight end Hunter Henry will be the primary targets in the passing game. New England finished 30th in the NFL in total offense (276 YPG) last season and averaged a paltry 13.9 points per game.
The defense was solid in 2023, allowing 302 YPG (7th in NFL) with the run defense excelling (93 YPG allowed) and the pass defense giving up 209 yards per game. The Patriots had 36 sacks and intercepted ten passes. Linebacker Matthew Judon was recently traded to the Atlanta Falcons, so the team will look to 2023 sacks leader Christian Barmore (defensive tackle), linebacker Jahlani Tavai and Davon Godchaux (DT) to step up in the leadership role. The secondary features Kyle Dugger (safety) along with corner Jonathan Jones and safety Jabril Peppers.
The New England Patriots are currently the door mat team in the AFC East, where the Buffalo Bills and Miami Dolphins loom large. The Patriots had a terrible 2023 season and if they want to improve on just four wins, they must score more often. It is definitely a rebuilding year and it will likely be a painful one at that this season.
TEAM SCHEDULE
Week One - at Cincinnati
Week Two - vs. Seattle
Week Three - at N. Y. Jets
Week Four - at San Francisco
Week Five - vs. Miami
Week Six - vs. Houston
Week Seven - vs. Jacksonville (London, England)
Week Eight - vs. N.Y. Jets
Week Nine - at Tennessee
Week Ten - at Chicago
Week Eleven - vs. L.A. Rams
Week Twelve - at Miami
Week Thirteen - vs. Indianapolis
Week Fourteen - BYE
Week Fifteen - at Arizona
Week Sixteen - at Buffalo
Week Seventeen - vs. L.A. Chargers
Week Eighteen - vs. Buffalo
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