Patriots Hoping to Avoid Commanders-Like Regression in 2026

New England looks to learn from Washington's fall after a surprising 2024 season.

Mar. 24, 2026 at 9:05am

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The New England Patriots are drawing comparisons to the 2024 Washington Commanders, who enjoyed a surprising season before crashing in 2025. The Patriots, like the Commanders, had a young quarterback lead them to success in 2025 after a new head coach took over. But the Patriots are hoping to avoid the same fate as the Commanders and are taking a different approach to roster construction.

Why it matters

The Patriots' 2026 season will be closely watched to see if they can avoid the same type of regression that plagued the Commanders in 2025 after their surprising 2024 campaign. The lessons learned from Washington's fall could help guide New England's path forward.

The details

Both the 2024 Commanders and 2025 Patriots benefited from easy schedules, low injury rates, and breakout seasons from young quarterbacks Jayden Daniels and Drake Maye. However, the Patriots are taking a more cautious approach to roster moves, avoiding the Commanders' strategy of trading draft capital for aging veterans. Additionally, Maye's larger frame makes him less susceptible to the injuries that derailed Daniels in 2025.

  • The 2026 NFL season will kick off in September 2026.
  • The Commanders went 5-12 in the 2025 season after reaching the NFC Championship Game in 2024.

The players

New England Patriots

An American professional football team based in the Greater Boston area and a member of the National Football League (NFL).

Washington Commanders

An American professional football team based in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area and a member of the NFL.

Drake Maye

The starting quarterback for the New England Patriots, who had a breakout season in 2025 and finished second in MVP voting.

Jayden Daniels

The starting quarterback for the Washington Commanders in 2024, who had a strong rookie season but struggled with injuries in 2025.

Mike Vrabel

The head coach of the New England Patriots, who took over the team in 2025 after previously being a head coach elsewhere.

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What they’re saying

“Slender bone structure with lean features and limited growth potential. Needs to better protect his body to stay durable in the NFL.”

— Dane Brugler, NFL Draft Analyst

“Built well with prototypical size and room to continue filling out.”

— Dane Brugler, NFL Draft Analyst

What’s next

The Patriots will look to avoid the same fate as the Commanders when the 2026 NFL season kicks off in September.

The takeaway

The Patriots are taking a more cautious approach to roster construction compared to the Commanders, which could help them avoid a similar regression in 2026 after their surprising 2025 season. Quarterback Drake Maye's larger frame also makes him less susceptible to the type of injuries that derailed Jayden Daniels in 2025.