The latest NFL Players Association survey results are out, and they paint a challenging picture for the New England Patriots. Despite moving up from their 31st position last year, the Patriots still find themselves at 26th overall in the league rankings. Let's dive into the details of what the players had to say.
The survey, conducted between November and December 2025, gathered insights from 1,759 players, averaging about 55 responses per team. Players rated their teams across various categories, from facilities to staff and amenities, on a scale of 1 to 5.
The Patriots' results highlight a mixed bag. While they have some bright spots, particularly within their coaching staff, there are areas that need attention. A new facility is set to open for the 2026 season, aiming to address some of the current shortcomings, such as low ratings for the weight room, training room, and practice fields.
One major concern remains the team's travel accommodations. The Patriots' airplane received the lowest rank in the league, with players citing outdated conditions, lack of Wi-Fi, and insufficient space.
One player even described it as feeling "borderline unsafe." Additionally, the team's food program received low marks for quality and variety, largely due to reliance on offsite meal preparation.
Now, let's break down the grades:
Offensive Coordinator (A): The Patriots hit a home run here, with Josh McDaniels receiving one of the few A grades among offensive coordinators. This new category in the survey shows McDaniels' impact is being felt positively.
Head Coach (A): Mike Vrabel's leadership has elevated the Patriots' head coach rating from a B+ to an A, moving them to third in the league. His openness to feedback and focus on player development have been particularly praised.
Strength Coaches (A-): With Deron Mayo, Brian McDonough, and new addition Frank Piraino, the strength coaching team improved their ranking from 26th to 20th, showing positive momentum.
Special Teams Coordinator (B+): Jeremy Springer received solid grades in this new category, placing him in the middle of the pack league-wide.
General Manager (B+): The GM's grade reflects a steady performance, maintaining an average league ranking.
Treatment of Families (B): Significant improvement here, thanks to initiatives led by Halle Ross, including daycare services and a family room during home games.
Defensive Coordinator (B): Despite challenges, including Terrell Williams' absence due to health issues, the defensive coaching maintained a respectable B grade.
Nutritionist/Dietician (B): Consistency is the name of the game here, with Ted Harper and Samantha Couture maintaining their B grade.
Training Staff (B): Some improvement noted, with Jim Whalen's team holding steady in their approach.
Team Ownership (B-): The Kraft Family saw a notable improvement in their grade, possibly linked to the upcoming new training facility.
Weight Room (C-): While still near the bottom, there's a slight improvement, likely influenced by a different set of player evaluations.
Food/Dining Area (D+): Unfortunately, this area saw a decline, with players expressing dissatisfaction with the food quality and dining experience.
Home Game Field (D): A new category that highlighted concerns about the field turf, yet the Patriots still ranked 22nd, better than several teams.
While the Patriots have shown progress in some areas, particularly with their coaching staff, there's still work to be done. The upcoming facility upgrades could address some of these issues, but the travel and dining conditions remain significant hurdles to overcome.