After an impressive rookie season in the most undesirable circumstances, the hype surrounding Patriots quarterback Drake Maye was high going into 2025. There was an overwhelming belief that he would have a big second-year jump under new leadership, and he's already accomplished that and then some, including instilling fear about New England's return to relevancy just five years after Tom Brady left for the Bucs.
Fans around the league celebrated the downfall of the longtime evil empire and hoped their demise would continue for much longer than just five seasons. But the arrival of OC Josh McDaniels and head coach Mike Vrabel ensured that wouldn't continue, and now the AFC, especially the AFC East, are nervous about what they can help lead the Patriots to this year and beyond.