The New England Patriots Are Going to Super Bowl LX
How did we end up here?
There are quite a few reasons behind the Patriots’ remarkable season that we’ll unpack in the coming weeks.
So let’s dive into this. How did a team that finished 4-13 last year turn around to snag the No. 1 spot, and make it to Super Bowl LX? Seriously, +8000 odds a year ago? That’s incredible.
What’s the simplest explanation for New England’s ascendance?
It’s the emergence of Drake Maye as a franchise quarterback.
Maye, who was picked third overall in the 2024 NFL Draft, showcased his skills when he became New England’s starting quarterback partway through his rookie season. But honestly, his second year has been something else entirely. He not only helped the Patriots clinch the AFC East title but also led them to the Super Bowl, earning a spot as a finalist for league MVP.
Several aspects of his development are noteworthy. This year, Maye has been one of the best quarterbacks under pressure in the league. According to stats from pro football focus, he achieved a 71.8% adjusted completion percentage when under duress, tying him with Daniel Jones for the top spot among eligible quarterbacks. He also nailed a 77.1% completion rate on blitzes, placing him fourth in that category.
Additionally, Maye has transformed into one of the premier deep-ball throwers this season. In fact, his adjusted completion percentage on passes of 20 yards or more is 54.9%, which is second best in the NFL.
Only Sam Darnold, who he will face in Super Bowl LX, had better stats.
On deep throws, Maye recorded 11 touchdowns against just two interceptions.
Though he had some inconsistency in the playoffs, he demonstrated another dimension of his game during Sunday’s AFC Championship win. He not only scored New England’s only touchdown but also made a crucial play thanks to a bootleg design call by offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels. This allowed Maye to either pass or use his legs to gain the key first down that sent the Patriots to Super Bowl LX.
Patriots Excelled in Free Agency and the Draft
But it’s not just Maye. The Patriots’ journey to the Super Bowl includes some strategic offseason moves. After last season’s struggles, they landed the fourth overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. This position allowed them to address other needs—Maye solidified the quarterback role, freeing up the first pick for more talent on the team.
They drafted Will Campbell, one of last year’s top offensive linemen, someone they expect to be a foundational player for years ahead.
But there’s more to the story than just Campbell. In the second round, they selected running back Trevayon Henderson from Ohio State, who has made a significant impact this season with 10 touchdowns. Third-round choice Kyle Williams contributed to the vertical passing game with three touchdowns, while fourth-round pick Craig Woodson stepped into the starting safety role and made crucial plays, including one on a key fourth-down during the game against the Broncos.
In the sixth round, New England brought in kicker Andres Borregales from Miami. This season, he took over the kicking duties and has been essential for the team’s success.
Yet, the draft is just a piece of their offseason puzzle. With considerable cap space, they swiftly signed some impactful players, including wide receiver Stefon Diggs, pass rusher Harold Landry, linebacker Robert Spillane, cornerback Carlton Davis, and others. Each of these players played a pivotal role in the team’s push to Super Bowl LX.
Firing Jarrod Mayo to Replace Mike Vrabel Paid Off
Let’s talk about another significant contributor to the Patriots’ success—head coach Mike Vrabel. After parting ways with former coach Jerod Mayo following a tough 4-13 season, New England quickly snatched up Vrabel, a former linebacker and three-time Super Bowl champion with the Patriots. His familiarity with the organization allowed for a smooth transition.
Following Sunday’s AFC Championship victory, it was evident that players were thrilled with his leadership. Defensive lineman Christian Barmore exclaimed, “Play hard for that guy.”
Will Campbell also shared his gratitude, saying, “This is the most fun I’ve had since high school.”
Others praised Vrabel, highlighting his tough yet enjoyable coaching style. “He’s been leading the charge since he took over,” noted one player. “Just being able to play in this environment has been the most rewarding year of my career.”
Furthermore, offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels returned to New England to enhance Maye’s skills, pushing him into MVP territory.
Meanwhile, linebackers coach Zach Kuhl stepped up to handle defensive play-calling, helping shape a defense that made significant strides throughout the season, challenging top quarterbacks to get to the Super Bowl.
But it all really does start with Vrabel.
There are, of course, additional factors to consider.
Let’s not overlook New England’s schedule. They finished fourth in the AFC East last year, which granted them an easier schedule this season, facing off against other teams that also finished in the lower tier. This included match-ups with the Titans and Raiders, plus a lineup against the NFC South, which added even more manageable games.
One remarkable feat? The Patriots became the first team in NFL history to finish a season 9-0 on the road. Their longest trips were relatively simple, to places like Tampa Bay and New Orleans.
By season’s end, their strength of schedule rested at a mere .391, making them the only team that fell below .400.
They also had a bit of luck on their side. In their wild card game against the Chargers, they faced a team missing a starting tackle. Then against the Texans, a key player was lost early. And in the AFC Championship, the Broncos had to adjust after their starting quarterback was injured, simplifying New England’s path.
Yet, they also had to contend with some of the league’s toughest defenses. The argument stands that you create your own luck.
In the end, when you assess all these factors, it becomes clearer how this team finds itself heading to the Super Bowl.
