Patriots Believe They'll Be Back After Super Bowl Loss

New England made big strides in coach Mike Vrabel's first season, with room to improve after falling to Seattle.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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The New England Patriots fell short of winning their seventh Lombardi Trophy, losing 29-13 to the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl LX. However, the team and its coach, Mike Vrabel, believe they have the right pieces in place to make another run at the title soon. Second-year quarterback Drake Maye had a breakout season, finishing second in MVP voting, and the Patriots transformed their defense and added playmakers around him. While the offensive line needs improvement, the team is confident they can make the necessary adjustments and get back to the Super Bowl.

Why it matters

The Patriots' surprise run to the Super Bowl has restored goodwill with their impatient fan base, who had grown accustomed to the team being in the title mix during the Tom Brady-Bill Belichick era. Their ability to quickly rebuild and return to the big game under new leadership shows the franchise's continued competitiveness and resilience.

The details

In his first season as Patriots head coach, Mike Vrabel helped put together a roster that transformed the defense and added playmakers around second-year quarterback Drake Maye. The return of offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels also gave Maye a trusted mentor, allowing him to have a breakout season as the league's most efficient passer. However, the offensive line still needs work, as Maye was sacked 47 times in the regular season and 6 times in the Super Bowl loss.

  • The Patriots lost to the Seattle Seahawks 29-13 in Super Bowl LX on Sunday, February 9, 2026.
  • New England finished the 2025 regular season with a 17-4 record, a 13-win improvement from the previous year's 4-13 mark.

The players

Mike Vrabel

The Patriots' head coach in his first season, who helped transform the team's roster and return them to the Super Bowl.

Drake Maye

The Patriots' second-year starting quarterback, who had a breakout season and finished second in MVP voting.

Josh McDaniels

The Patriots' offensive coordinator, who returned to the team and provided valuable mentorship to quarterback Drake Maye.

Robert Kraft

The owner of the New England Patriots, who sought to course-correct the franchise after firing Jerod Mayo and hired Mike Vrabel as the new head coach.

Morgan Moses

The veteran right tackle added to the Patriots' offensive line this season.

Jared Wilson

The rookie left guard added to the Patriots' offensive line this season.

TreVeyon Henderson

The Patriots' rookie running back who showed big-play ability with four rushing touchdowns of over 50 yards.

Will Campbell

The Patriots' rookie left tackle who struggled in pass protection, giving up a Super Bowl-record 14 pressures.

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What they’re saying

“That's what motivates you. That's what we talk about in the locker room. That's what fuels you.”

— Drake Maye (centralmaine.com)

What’s next

The Patriots will look to address their offensive line issues this offseason, particularly at left tackle, as they aim to build on their surprise run to the Super Bowl and get back to the big game next year.

The takeaway

The Patriots' quick turnaround under new leadership shows the franchise's continued competitiveness and resilience, restoring goodwill with an impatient fan base. With the right coach, quarterback, and supporting cast in place, New England believes it can soon add another Lombardi Trophy to its collection.