Sign up for the Today newsletter
Get everything you need to know to start your day, delivered right to your inbox every morning.
ESPN analyst thinks Patriots could be the worst team in the NFL in 2024
"I think this is a team that's going to struggle."
The Patriots’ outlook for the 2024 season: Given the early signs from both joint practices at training camp and the two preseason games, it could be a long year for Patriots fans.
With a new head coach for the first time in decades and a rookie quarterback likely featuring heavily in the team’s plans, New England could be staring at a second last-place season in the division.
Beyond that, could the Patriots be in contention for the worst record in the league?
“I think it’s possible for sure,” said ESPN reporter Dan Graziano during a “Get Up!” segment on Friday morning.
Advertisement:
“Look, offensively they’re limited in terms of their skill positions, in terms of the line,” Graziano explained, noting New England’s lack of proven options at both parts of the offense.
Even in terms of the stronger part of the roster (the defense), Graziano pointed to two glaring issues.
“Defensively, where they thought they were going to be great, they traded [Matthew] Judon. They might be without Christian Barmore for the year.”
Barmore, New England’s standout defensive tackle, will be out for the foreseeable future due to blood clots.
In the short term, the Patriots’ list of opponents will also prove to be a tall task.
Advertisement:
“The schedule, they’ve got to play the Bengals, the Seahawks, the 49ers, just in September,” Graziano noted. “It’s rough.”
So, is it an overreaction to say New England will have the No. 1 pick in the 2025 draft?
“I don’t think it’s an overreaction,” Graziano concluded, adding a reference to the Patriots’ rookie QB. “They’re very short on offense. We don’t know when Drake Maye will play.”
“I think this is a team that’s going to struggle.”
Of course, the result of having another down season is the correspondingly high draft pick. But as Graziano identified, that isn’t something New Englanders will enjoy hearing in the short term.
“That’s cold comfort for Patriots fans in August,” he quipped.
Trivia: Who was coach of the Patriots the last time New England finished a second consecutive last-place season in the AFC East?
(Answer at the bottom.)
Hint: He had two stints with the Patriots in different roles. He worked for an AFC East opponent in between his New England tenures.
Scores and schedules:
The Patriots lost to the Eagles 14-13 in the second preseason game of the summer on Thursday night. Drake Maye played more than he did in the first game, going 6-of-11 for 47 yards passing and one rushing touchdown.
Advertisement:
The Red Sox also lost on Thursday, falling 5-1 to the Orioles. The two teams play again this evening in Baltimore at Camden Yards, with the first pitch set for 7:05 p.m.
More from Boston.com:
- Drake Maye impresses and other quick takeaways from Patriots’ preseason loss to Eagles
- It didn’t show against the Eagles, but Patriots will miss Matthew Judon, and other final thoughts
- Rhamondre Stevenson mixes up Bill Belichick with Matthew Judon in awkward in-game interview
- Jerod Mayo says gap between offensive line starters and reserves is ‘dramatic’
- Jerod Mayo won’t let Patriots’ O-line woes stop Drake Maye from seizing starting role
- Patriots rookie WR JaQuae Jackson carted off the field with leg injury
- Jeremy Swayman still has ‘a lot of confidence’ in getting deal done with Bruins
- Red Sox reportedly close to signing 44-year-old Milton native Rich Hill to contract
The Patriots’ new returner: Undrafted rookie wide receiver David Wallis has started to make a name for himself on the team as a possible kick return option. He helped his cause with a nice moment on Thursday.
Weston Wilson’s big night: After pushing his way through 2,836 at-bats in the minor leagues, Weston Wilson is finally getting his chance in the majors. And on Thursday, the 29-year-old Phillies rookie hit for the cycle.
On this day: In 2008, Usain Bolt breezed past the other top 100-meter sprinters in the world to win his first Olympic gold medal at the Beijing Summer Games. Bolt, who had flashed onto the scene earlier in the year with a new world record in the 100-meter (9.72 seconds), harnessed the adrenaline of the moment to set another record.
Though he was already celebrating before he even broke the tape, Bolt set the new standard with an incredible time of 9.69 seconds.
Daily highlight: Here’s Drake Maye’s first NFL touchdown, albeit in preseason.
Trivia answer: Bill Belichick
To comment, please create a screen name in your profile
To comment, please verify your email address
Conversation
This discussion has ended. Please join elsewhere on Boston.com