Well, I’ve watched the highlights of the three Patriots pre-season games, and based on that completely insufficient amount of evidence, my prediction is for a spectacularly mediocre season from the Pats. I’ll forecast a final regular season of 8-9, no playoffs (at best).
The offense is stuttering and uninspiring. Sure, there are flashes of good plays, but no consistency, no sense of dominance at any time. Without Josh McDaniel, no one even knows who is calling the plays. Apparently they have “simplified” things, but the offense line is committing penalties left and right, so that doesn’t seem to be working.
The defense looks stout up front and I suspect they will be able to generate good pressure and keep the run game in check. But the secondary is just a bunch of guys. Belichick’s vaunted defenses of the past have always included a lock-down corner, and there is not one in sight here. I predict the defense will be able to get opponents into third and longs, but then constantly give up the first down because the secondary won’t hold, which will be monumentally frustrating for both fans and players.
Meanwhile, all the teams in their division have added quality players and look to be improved. (OK, maybe not the Jets, but how much worse can they get?). I don’t see the Pats having a chance against the Bills and even Miami looks better on paper assuming Tua is not a complete bust.
Unless Mac Jones suddenly turns into Tom Brady in Year 2, I think it’s going to be a long slog of a season.