One major problem for the Patriots last season was a lack of discipline and penalties. The team had more than 10 accepted penalties in two games in 2024 - both losses - and finished the year with a whopping 111 accepted penalties for 916 yards, compared to 89 penalties for 676 yards in Bill Belichick's final season in 2023.
Jerod Mayo's lone season in New England lacked discipline, and it started with a locker room that resembled a country club. Mike Vrabel completely turned that around when he came in as head coach, and the factor of discipline that was a focal point of the dynasty-era Patriots appeared to be on its way back.