Will the New England Patriots ever be able to put the weak 2025 schedule behind them?
According to ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith, the answer to that question is no — that is, unless Drake Maye, A.J. Brown and the boys prove it on the field this year.
Smith, on his ESPN show, “First Take,” went on a three-minute, 53-second rant about the Patriots in 2025.
“The weakest schedule in the NFL since 1999 … In a quarter century!” exclaimed Smith, in downplaying Maye’s breakout second season.
Playoff run was hollow
Smith went on to attack the playoff win over the Chargers, who were missing both offensive tackles; the victory over the Texans with C.J. Stroud self-destructing and Nico Collins going down to injury; and the AFC title victory over Denver with Jarrett Stidham at quarterback.
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“You talk about luck, luck, luck upon luck … And then when they really went up against a team fully loaded, in the Super Bowl, we didn’t see a game. They were completely shut down in the first three quarters … So they have something to prove,” Smith proclaimed.
True, the Patriots have to face a much tougher schedule this fall. But the offseason upgrades to the roster should make them better on the field, too.
Upgrades all over the field for Patriots
Garrett Bradbury is out on the offensive line, but Alijah Vera-Tucker is in.
Stefon Diggs was let go, signing with the Commanders on Wednesday, but the team brought in Brown and Romeo Doubs to replace him.
Edge rusher K’Lavon Chaisson left after his best pro season, but Dre’Mont Jones is a more than adequate replacement.
Dangerous start to 2026 season
New England opens the season with a Super Bowl rematch against Seattle on Sept. 9.
They follow that with three straight games against 2025 playoff opponents — Pittsburgh, Buffalo and Jacksonville. In all, New England will play nine games against playoff teams from a year ago.
Maye and the Patriots are a slight underdog to Josh Allen and the Bills in the AFC East.
“I’m going with Buffalo!” Smith said.
