New England Patriots - NESN.com
The New England Patriots look a lot different heading into the 2025 season.
The organization hired Mike Vrabel as head coach, brought back Josh McDaniels to serve as offensive coordinator and hired former Detroit Lions defensive line coach Terrell Williams as defensive coordinator. And then, there are all the additions to the roster, filling major needs at many different spots.
Dalton Wasserman of Pro Football Focus identified “one reason for optimism for every team ahead of the 2025 NFL season.” For the Patriots, that reason was the defense.
“The Patriots have the makings of a potentially dangerous defense,” Wasserman wrote. “They handed out a huge contract to former Eagles defensive tackle Milton Williams, who led all interior defenders with a 91.7 PFF pass-rush grade last season. New linebacker Robert Spillane placed sixth at his position with an 87.3 PFF run-defense grade. Carlton Davis III could form one of the league’s best cornerback duos with Christian Gonzalez.
“Throw in playmakers such as Christian Barmore, Keion White and Marcus Jones, and the Patriots could have one of the NFL’s emerging defenses this season under head coach Mike Vrabel.”
In the 2024 season, the Patriots had one of the worst defenses in the league, struggling with both the pass rush and run defense. So, it was clear something needed to change.
With Vrabel, he had experience leading a team in this league and had the connections to bring some talented players to New England.
This defense could be dangerous this season, and it should be fun to watch.
