With a 4-13 record, the Patriots are coming off their worst season in three decades.
The 2023 team finished dead last in the AFC standings, and at 13.9 points per game, their scoring offense finished tied for the worst of any team over the past decade. The Patriots parted ways with Bill Belichick in January — Jerod Mayo will lead them now — and own the No. 3 overall pick the NFL Draft, their highest selection since 1993.
“Last year was uncharacteristic, but it’s what we put on film,” captain Deatrich Wise said in a phone call with MassLive this week.
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But amidst the valleys of a four-win season, Wise also pointed to some positives like “a very good run defense” and keeping some strong offenses in check.
“I’ve seen us stop big name players,” Wise said. “I’ve seen us come back in games.”
However, what makes Wise most optimistic for the 2024 season is the DNA that the Patriots displayed down the stretch. With nothing to play for in the standings, they won two of their final five games — on the road at Pittsburgh and Denver — and played Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen tough in losses.
“In the face of adversity and the face of challenging time, it reveals the true character of men. Our character is very high on our team. We never gave up,” Wise said. “Nobody on the team just gave in. Nobody was out there lolly-gagging and not really caring. All the guys, we were playing ball like we were going to the playoffs. Because of us showcasing that characteristic of resiliency and moxie, I believe these guys are the type guys that I want to go to war with any day of the week.”
Wise’s words carry weight, as he is one of the few remaining holdovers from the last days of New England’s dynasty. During his rookie year, the defensive lineman made it to the Super Bowl — a loss to the Eagles — and in his second season, Wise won a Lombardi Trophy, helping anchor a defense that held the Rams to just three points.
He sees a highly-motivated group around him now, and believes the sting of last season will linger with the Patriots are they prepare for 2024.
“There’s a lot of hungry guys on our team,” Wise said. “Guys who want to prove themselves based off last year’s performance. Even though last year happened, I know my team and we have the type of guys to come back even stronger.”
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