Patriots aren't hiding from woes of last two years: ‘Guys here are tired of losing'

New York Times

2 days ago

FOXBORO, Mass. — Stefon Diggs worked up the fans at the first practice of training camp, urging them on as he ran onto the field. Robert Kraft beamed with optimism. Mike Vrabel embodied the hope that comes with a new era as the New England Patriots try to turn the page after struggling mightily over the last two seasons.
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The first day of camp is exciting for every team. But for a Patriots organization that has been stuck in the basement of the standings after two decades of dominance, Wednesday brought legitimate hope that it had finally reset, ready to turn things around after its decline at the end of Bill Belichick's otherwise remarkable tenure.
That said, the team isn't shying away from the reality of the last two seasons.
'I think we've got guys around here that are tired of losing and guys that want to win,' second-year quarterback Drake Maye said. 'That's what excites me most. … The past two or three years around here — and the past year for me, I can only speak for myself — there's guys here who are tired of losing and want to win.'
LIVE: Drake Maye Press Conference 7/23: https://t.co/t7KQgStu04
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) July 23, 2025
The Patriots are 8-27 in their last 35 games. The two main reasons for hope, of course, are Vrabel and Maye and what they might become as one of the league's most promising coach-quarterback duos.
But if there was another source of optimism as camp opened Wednesday, it was the sight of Diggs sprinting around the field. The Patriots badly needed to improve at wide receiver this offseason after getting the fewest yards in the NFL from that position a year ago. But the Diggs addition looked risky when he signed in March. Diggs suffered a torn ACL late last October. The timeline for his return was unclear.
But earlier this week, Diggs passed his physical and was cleared for participation in training camp. On Day 1, he caught a pair of passes from Maye.
'Everybody said I came back pretty fast, but it was a different journey for me,' Diggs said. 'I pushed it. I wanted to get back as fast as I could, and I just was super serious about my rehab process. I love football, and if you really love football, you're putting that time in. Getting injured is part of the game. But getting back to playing football just makes me extremely happy.'
Stef let the dogs out 😭😂 pic.twitter.com/fdcF6t9ulz
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) July 23, 2025
It was just one day — a pretty easy one as far as training camp practices go, considering players aren't yet allowed to be in pads — but it was a productive one for the offense.
There were only two 11-on-11 team periods, but Maye connected with Diggs in each of those.
'He made some plays out here today,' Maye said. 'It's awesome being able to throw to a guy like that. And even when you feel like he's not open, he's going to go make a play for you in tight coverage. He's a strong receiver, going to make plays. And I think we've got a bunch of those guys in the room that will earn their role and find their role.'
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Kraft was on hand in part for a charity event promoting dog adoptions, but he, too, expressed optimism about what's to come. He chatted on the field before practice with Vrabel, the first-year coach whom Kraft chose after firing Jerod Mayo. He noted the success that has come during his 31-year tenure, yet acknowledged the struggles of late.
'Except for the last two years,' Kraft said, 'I think we've done really well.'
A year ago, there was also optimism as Mayo brought a different direction and vibe than what Belichick had provided for so long. But it was apparent early on that his team was overmanned and not improving.
This season, the optimism on Day 1 of camp seems more warranted and likely more sustainable. Vrabel has brought a change that starts with eliminating bad football.
'We talk about the good, the bad and the s— that gets you beat, and I think that they can tell the difference between those three now,' Vrabel said. 'My job is to try to get them to eliminate the stuff that gets you beat. We just have to correct the bad, and we have to continue and enhance the good stuff that we do.'
We'll learn much more as camp goes on, as the practices intensify and it becomes clear who is standing out (though it's worth noting that rookie receiver Kyle Williams had a strong day with the best catch of practice on a deep ball with Christian Gonzalez in coverage, and that Keion White was impressive on the D-line).
The opening session, though, was more about the new vibe and the positive feelings around the Patriots.
'I like Day 1 where we're at,' Maye said. 'And I think we've got some more work to do.'
(Photo of Drake Maye: Eric Canha / Imagn Images)