The 2024 NFL season will be the first time since 1999 that the Patriots will not have either Tom Brady or Bill Belichick on the sideline, and how they perform in their first rebuilding year will be critical for the future of the franchise.
New England projects to be one of the worst teams in the league, but there are multiple reasons to be optimistic about the team. While head coach Jerod Mayo fumbled his quarterback announcement, he still is an open book regarding in-game management. The Patriots have interesting skill players who could break out this season, and of course, Drake Maye could be the key to rejuvenating the franchise.
Executive vice president of player personnel Eliot Wolf already brushed off the idea of tanking, but is that the wrong approach? What is the ideal result that fans should look forward to? Let’s look at the best-case and worst-case scenarios for the Patriots this season.
Best CaseNew England should approach this season …