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Are the New England Patriots back? Here’s what 200 readers said.
Despite a six-game win streak, many readers say the Patriots still haven’t "played a worthy opponent yet."
The New England Patriots are on a hot streak going into week 10, but Boston.com readers don’t want to jinx it.
After a six-game win streak, quarterback Drake Maye is quickly making his mark on New England, he’s even in consideration for the NFL’s Most Valuable Player this season. Fans are also impressed by coach Mike Vrabel and his handling of the young team. New England hasn’t seen a dominant football season since Tom Brady left, but many think Maye and Vrabel could be the ones to turn it around.
While the team hasn’t had the smoothest last few games, Vrabel praised their resilience after a 24-23 victory over the Atlanta Falcons. “We’re going to learn from winning, so that we don’t have to learn from losing,” he said.
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Boston.com asked: Are the Patriots back? Of the nearly 200 respondents to the informal poll, most were split between ‘Yes!’ (43%) and ‘Too early to tell’ (44%). The remaining 13% voted, ‘Not getting my hopes up.’ Many respondents said they were trying to manage their expectations, while others shared their excitement. “There is NFL life in New England again,” one anonymous reader wrote.
“Its six games jeez calm down,” DG from Concord wrote.
Are the Patriots back?
Yes!
43%
Not getting my hopes up.
13%
Too early to tell.
44%
Are the Patriots back?
Too early to tell
“Too early to tell. Aside from the Bills the Patriots haven’t really played against a worthy opponent yet.”- Roger C.
“It’s nice to see the team playing good ball again but we still haven’t had to face a strong team. This weekend’s game against Tampa Bay will be a nice measuring stick to see just how far they have come.” – Todd from Worcester
“Patriots are playing a very weak schedule. Several wins are very lucky. Too many obvious team weaknesses the weak opposition have not been able to exploit. Not yet played against a top team.” – Thomas D. from Salem
“They are playing against bad teams, by NFL design. Wait til next to see how good they really are. Meanwhile enjoy watching them beat bad teams.”- Maurice P. from Leavenworth, KS
“Their secondary is still shaky, giving up big plays on a consistent basis; oftentimes poor coverage on short routes as well.” – Herb from Kittery
“It’s six games jeez calm down.” – DG from Concord
Yes!
“Yes, the Patriots are for-real, as far as being regularly competitive in coming games/years. But that doesn’t mean they are going to win it all THIS year. Unlike the 2001 team that made an amazing run, this 2025 team has no depth. Injuries will pile-up from here on out and lack of depth will hold them back this year. The 2001 team was deeper than it looked. The future looks great however- ‘they’re back’ and only getting started.” – JK from Danvers
“It feels like the first time! When Tommy led us to our first Super Bowl! There were doubters then too. But the Pats are gonna do it! Super Bowl champs!” – Mikey from Natick
“They are ahead of ‘rebuilding’ schedule. Even if they do not make it to the playoffs, they have already exceeded my modest expectations for them this year.” – Will E. from Portland, Maine
“You have a still young quarterback playing mostly great ball, and seemingly is going to just get better. He’s got some good players that I feel he lifts to be great players, as well. If the online can develop some more protection and the defense continues to grow.. sky’s the limit. Not to say it’s this year, but next? Who knows. Future does look bright!” – Brian L. from Berkshire County
Not getting my hopes up
“Easy schedule so far, but they have confidence, some talent, and are well coached.” – Nick from Salisbury
“I would like to think that are on the right track. The 2-3 years were lost years with questionable coaching. I am very hopeful that with the new coaching, that the team will continue to improve and make the playoffs. By next year, I hope that they will be go deep into the playoffs. There is still room for improvement at TE, RB, DB, OL in 2026.”- Richard L. from Worcester
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