The New England Patriots
The New England Patriots took down the previously undefeated Buffalo Bills at this week’s Sunday Night Football game. Yes, you read that right.
Whether it be the result of inept coaching or abysmal quarterback play, Patriots fans have been subjected to watching some painful losses in recent years — multiple of which were courtesy of Josh Allen and the Bills. But on Sunday, the Patriots flipped the script in what was probably their biggest win since 2021.
Not only did they beat a good football team, but they also showed they’re building toward something. The difference between where the team was at this time last year with Jerod Mayo and where they are this year with Mike Vrabel is palpable.
The main story heading into the game was the return of Stefon Diggs to Buffalo after being traded away. Diggs did not disappoint, bringing in 10 catches for 146 yards and adding what the Patriots’ offense has lacked for years: a reliable target.
We’re all aware of the shortcomings of the Patriots’ front office — whether it be the failed signing of DeAndre Hopkins in free agency two years ago or the countless missteps the team has made in drafting receivers like N’Keal Harry. After Sunday, Diggs looks like he just might be the guy the Patriots have previously failed so massively in trying to obtain.
Having someone who quarterback Drake Maye can look to and trust on third or fourth down does wonders for the productivity of not only Maye, but the offense as a whole.
When Maye is on his game, he has the ability to take games over. He can attack linebackers over the middle with his arm strength, but his most dangerous trait is his ability to roll out right and deliver perfect passes while on the run. When executed properly, it’s unguardable.
Maye has shown dramatic improvement in his decision-making this season under offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels. He has quickly become one of the most efficient quarterbacks in the NFL with a 73.9% completion rate — only Detroit Lions QB Jared Goff has a higher percentage.
Watching the games, you can observe the impact McDaniels has had on this offense. He has utilized Maye’s athleticism for RPO plays as well as designed bootleg plays that help to both establish the run game and buy time for receivers.
Unlike the Patriots of the past few years, this team showed a level of confidence and competence that will allow them to compete with the best of the NFL. Patriots fans should be excited about what this group is starting to assemble.
Their win Sunday — along with their 42-13 win last week over the Carolina Panthers — gives New England their first back-to-back victories since 2022. The team now has a 3-2 record and the No. 7 seed in the AFC.
The Boston Red Sox
The Red Sox’s season ended early after losing two consecutive games to none other than the New York Yankees in their Wild Card Series last week.
Although their 89-win season is an improvement from the last couple of years, the Red Sox still has work to do. It stings to lose — especially to the Yankees — because this year felt like an opportunity to make a run. There were no teams in the American League that the Red Sox were incapable of beating.
The good news is they’ve found their ace pitcher in Garrett Crochet, who struck out 11 through 7.2 innings in the first game against New York. Crochet adds to the Red Sox’s promising young core that includes Roman Anthony.
As a rookie, Anthony already looked like one of the best hitters in baseball. After signing an extension with the team in August, he is primed to be the face of the Red Sox for years to come.
3B Alex Bregman has a player option and SP Lucas Giolito has a mutual option, so Craig Breslow, the Red Sox chief baseball officer, and the front office have some decisions to make this offseason. How can they get over the hump? Who stays? Who goes? I suppose we’ll have to wait and see.
