Former Patriots star warns analysts not to underestimate 2026 squad

Damien Woody, a former New England Patriots defensive lineman, warned analysts who might discount the team’s chances in the upcoming season. He pointed to the emergence of quarterback Drake Maye as one of the league’s top young signal-callers and praised head coach Mike Vrabel for his reputation. Woody also emphasized the impact of newly acquired wideout AJ Brown and improvements along the offensive line.

While acknowledging that injuries and other variables could affect outcomes, he asserted that on paper the Patriots are a solid contender for a playoff berth and possibly the Super Bowl. His comments aim to shift the narrative that the Patriots are being overlooked despite recent achievements.