The Patriots Fell Short in Super Bowl LX-But Don’t Mistake That for the End of the Story
When the 2025 New England Patriots marched their way to Super Bowl LX, it was hard not to feel a sense of déjà vu. A young quarterback in his first full year as the starter.
A team that wasn’t supposed to be here. A head coach trying to build something lasting.
The echoes of 2001 were loud-right up until they weren’t.
Instead of hoisting the Lombardi, the Patriots walked off the field with a 29-13 loss to the Seattle Seahawks. A tough, lopsided ending to what had been a magical run. And just like that, the narrative flipped.
From underdog darlings to overhyped frauds? That’s been the tone of the national conversation in the days since the loss.
Suddenly, Drake Maye’s All-Pro season doesn’t matter. The 17 wins?
Forgotten. The rookie head coach who got his team to the brink of a title in Year 1?
Overlooked. One bad game, and the same team that surprised the league is being dismissed as a flash in the pan.
Let’s pump the brakes.
Yes, the Super Bowl was a rough watch for Patriots fans. Maye struggled against a relentless Seattle defense, and the offense never found its rhythm.
But context matters. Maye was clearly battling through a right shoulder issue, and the gauntlet of defenses he faced in the postseason was historically tough.
That doesn’t excuse the loss-but it does explain it.
And let’s not forget: Maye was one vote shy of winning league MVP. At 23 years old. That’s not the profile of a quarterback who’s about to fall off a cliff.
Still, the doubters are out in full force. According to BetMGM, the Patriots are tied with the Chiefs, Chargers, and Lions in Super Bowl odds for 2026-just outside the top contenders.
And in a recent piece by The Athletic’s Jacob Robinson, New England was given just a 5% chance to get back to the big game. Seattle?
30%.
The biggest knock? The schedule.
After facing the league’s easiest slate in 2025-ranked 32nd in strength of schedule-the Patriots are staring down a much tougher road in 2026. Their non-division road trips include the Bears, Chiefs, Lions, Jaguars, Chargers, and Seahawks.
At home, they’ll host the Broncos, Steelers, Packers, and Vikings. In total, 11 of their 17 opponents finished above .500 this past season.
That’s a major step up in competition.
It’s a valid concern. But it’s also a little short-sighted.
This team wasn’t supposed to be in the Super Bowl this quickly. Mike Vrabel was still learning what he had to work with.
The offensive line was inconsistent. The receiving corps lacked a true game-breaker.
And yet, they found a way to win 17 games and go toe-to-toe with the NFC’s best. Now, they enter the offseason with cap space, a clear vision, and plenty of motivation.
Fixing the offensive line? That’s priority No.
- Giving Maye more weapons?
That’s right behind it. And if the front office hits on even a couple of those moves, this team becomes even more dangerous.
The easy schedule helped in 2025-no question. But it didn’t carry them to the Super Bowl.
Maye’s poise, Vrabel’s leadership, and a defense that found its identity down the stretch were the real drivers. Those things don’t disappear just because the schedule gets tougher.
So yes, the Patriots lost the Super Bowl. And yes, they’ll face a steeper climb in 2026. But don’t confuse a tough ending with a dead end.
This wasn’t a fluke run. It was a glimpse of what’s possible.
And if the rest of the league isn’t taking that seriously, they might be in for a rude awakening.