While there aren’t high expectations for New England to clinch the Super Bowl this season, it’s crucial for the new leadership to demonstrate they have a strategy in place.
Expectations can either serve as a source of pressure for coaches and their teams or offer them a sense of liberation from a heavy burden. It ultimately depends on one’s perspective.
Take, for instance, the situation with the Patriots.
Jerod Mayo is stepping into the shoes of a legendary coach, replacing Bill Belichick, who, despite a recent decline, notably contributed to six Super Bowl victories. Essentially, Mayo is navigating through challenging terrain in his inaugural year as head coach.
Alongside lead personnel man Eliot Wolf, he’s tasked with revitalizing a team that managed only four wins previously, aiming for a swift turnaround. They’re essentially starting from square one, endeavoring to inject vitality into one of the NFL’s less talented rosters.
With a new offensive coordinator and a fresh group of coaches on board, the focus lies on rejuvenating an offense that not only lacks top-tier playmakers but also faces uncertainty at its key position – quarterback.
Adding to the complexity, all three starting tight ends and both starting tackles are set to enter free agency.
In light of this situation, some may argue that there is immense pressure on Mayo & his team to turn things around swiftly and restore the Patriots’ reputation, particularly with Robert Kraft parting ways with Belichick after 24 seasons in charge.
On the flip side, how can there be significant pressure if the expectations for success are minimal?
ESPN host Mike Greenberg recently compiled a list of NFL teams he believes are under the most pressure to succeed in the offseason, with the Patriots notably absent from the top five.
In Greenberg’s ranking, the teams under the most pressure are Chicago, followed by the New York Jets, Pittsburgh, Dallas, and Buffalo.
From a certain perspective, the pressure on Dallas and Buffalo is understandable. Both teams have consistently achieved winning records, secured division titles, and made multiple playoff appearances over the past five years or more.
However, their struggle lies in underperforming in the playoffs, with the Cowboys facing early exits despite their impressive regular-season records. Similarly, the Bills have dominated the AFC East for five consecutive years but have stumbled in the postseason.
The Pittsburgh Steelers, on the other hand, have maintained a winning record since 2003, which may explain the pressure for another championship title, given the high expectations from their fan base.
The New York Jets, in contrast, have struggled to overcome their reputation as perennial underachievers. With Aaron Rodgers returning from a significant injury and the hope for a change in fortune, there’s significant pressure on the organization to capitalize on his talent and elevate their performance.
Regarding the Bears, their last winning season dates back to 2018. However, with two top-10 draft picks, including the first overall selection, they have an opportunity to swiftly alter their trajectory for the better. Alternatively, they risk squandering this chance and remaining stuck in a state of mediocrity.
Nevertheless, this perspective doesn’t quite resonate in New England. While external expectations for the Patriots may not be particularly high, internally, the atmosphere is different.
Equipped with ample salary cap space, the third overall draft pick, and a new management team tasked with reshaping the roster, the local fan base is not just hoping but almost demanding a significant turnaround from the Patriots. After enduring four predominantly lackluster seasons, there’s a palpable anticipation for the team to demonstrate signs of improvement or resurgence.
Under Belichick’s leadership in recent years, the Patriots have experienced a decline, transitioning from perennial contenders to a state of relative obscurity.
NFL Network draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah shed light on the significance of this transition during his recent media conference call.
Simply being in the stadium last year was a surreal experience,” he remarked. “It felt unfamiliar. Despite the team’s poor performance, the stadium lacked its usual vibrancy and energy. It wasn’t merely due to the team’s struggles; it was also because they were uninteresting. There was a distinct absence of enthusiasm and excitement.”
Now, it falls on Mayo, Wolf, and others to rejuvenate the Patriots.
The pressure isn’t of the championship-or-bust variety; it’s more about achieving respectability or facing failure. It’s about starting the rebuild on the right foot and reigniting hope.
It’s crucial not to make mistakes, particularly in quarterback selection. The Patriots shouldn’t feel compelled to draft a quarterback with the third overall pick unless they are absolutely certain. Rushing such a critical decision would be a misstep.
Mayo, Wolf, and company must be confident in their choice, whether they target Caleb Williams through a trade-up, or see potential in Drake Maye or Jayden Daniels. Their conviction needs to be unwavering.
Alternatively, they could opt for Marvin Harrison or trade down to acquire more assets, address team weaknesses, and select a quarterback later in the draft.
Owner Robert Kraft emphasized the significance of this upcoming NFL draft, referring to it as the “most anticipated” during their tenure.
Their approach to free agency will also be revealing. Signing Baker Mayfield or trading for Justin Fields would indicate their evaluation of the draft’s quarterback prospects.
ESPN analyst and former Patriot Damien Woody stressed the importance of this offseason for the Patriots. He acknowledged the challenges facing Jerod Mayo but emphasized the need for a strong start.
Woody highlighted the team’s requirement for explosive athletes and game-changers, acknowledging the current lack of talent. However, he expressed optimism that with proper investment from ownership, the Patriots can turn things around.
They must be prepared to invest and allocate their resources wisely.
With the NFL Combine this week, followed by free agency in a few weeks, and the NFL Draft to come after that, the offseason is gearing up for some significant developments.
The pressure is squarely on the Patriots to lay the groundwork for a shift in their recent performance narrative. With Belichick’s era now in the past, Mayo and his team are tasked with making the Patriots a more compelling team to watch in 2024.
Their goal is clear: achieve respectability or face the consequences.
