The New England Patriots are heading into their Week 14 bye on an absolute heater-winners of 10 straight and owners of the best record in the NFL at 11-2. While rookie phenom Drake Maye has deservedly drawn plenty of MVP buzz, what’s powering this Patriots surge goes beyond just the quarterback. It’s been a total team effort, driven by a deep and resilient roster that’s embraced the classic “next man up” mentality.
You saw it again in their 33-15 win over the Giants in Week 13. The headliners did their thing, but it was the contributions from lesser-known names that helped seal the deal-just like they’ve done all season long. Let’s take a closer look at five of the unsung heroes who’ve been quietly critical to New England’s success this year.
1. Khyiris Tonga, DT - The Unmovable Anchor
Khyiris Tonga might not be stuffing the stat sheet, but make no mistake-he’s been a game-changer on the Patriots’ defensive front. With just 19 tackles, two tackles for loss, and two quarterback hits, his numbers aren’t eye-popping. But if you’re only looking at the box score, you’re missing the real story.
Tonga, now on his fifth team in five years, has finally found a home in Foxborough. He’s embraced the classic Patriots nose tackle role, clogging up the middle and anchoring a run defense that ranks third in the league, giving up just 89.5 yards per game.
His impact goes beyond defense, too-New England has even deployed him as a fullback in goal-line situations. Remember TreVeyon Henderson’s second long touchdown run against Tampa Bay in Week 10?
Tonga laid the key block that sprung it.
And here’s the kicker: the Patriots got all this for just $2.1 million in the offseason. That’s the kind of value championship teams are built on.
2. Craig Woodson, S - The Rookie Who Changed the Depth Chart
When the Patriots took Craig Woodson in the fourth round of this year’s draft, the expectation was that he’d contribute on special teams while learning behind veterans like Jabrill Peppers, Kyle Dugger, and Jaylinn Hawkins. Instead, Woodson flipped the script-earning a starting role by Week 1 and helping make both Peppers and Dugger expendable.
Woodson’s calling card has been his ability to match up one-on-one with tight ends, a crucial skill in today’s NFL. That ability was on full display in Week 13, when he broke up a pass intended for Giants tight end Theo Johnson-a play that looked like a mismatch on paper, but not in execution.
He’s brought a steadiness to the back end of New England’s defense that belies his rookie status. With the postseason approaching, Woodson’s emergence has helped solidify a position group that was thin on proven depth just a few months ago.
3. Mack Hollins, WR - The Toughness the Offense Needed
Mack Hollins came to New England with modest expectations, but he’s delivered in a big way. Known more for his blocking than his hands, Hollins has shown he can do both-and do them well. He’s been a physical presence on the perimeter, helping the run game thrive, while also becoming a reliable target for Drake Maye on key downs.
Despite being labeled by some as a “glorified tight end,” Hollins has earned his share of vertical shots in Josh McDaniels’ offense. Through 13 games, he ranks fourth on the team in receiving yards with 440. And when Kayshon Boutte missed time with a hamstring injury, Hollins stepped up in a big way-highlighted by a six-catch, 106-yard performance against the Buccaneers.
He’s not flashy, but he’s been exactly what this offense needed: a dependable veteran who does the dirty work and makes plays when it counts.
4. Morgan Moses, RT - The Steadying Force Up Front
While rookies Will Campbell and Jared Wilson drew early praise for revitalizing the Patriots’ offensive line, veteran right tackle Morgan Moses has been just as important-and just as steady. Signed this offseason to help reshape the locker room culture, Moses talked the talk and has absolutely walked the walk.
He’s been a rock on the right side, allowing just one sack and three quarterback hits all season, per Pro Football Focus. Yes, he’s been flagged six times, but the overall body of work speaks for itself. With Campbell and Wilson both missing time due to injury, Moses’ consistency has become even more valuable.
He’s not just protecting Maye-he’s mentoring a young offensive line and helping set the tone for a unit that’s been one of the league’s most improved.
5. Elijah Ponder, EDGE - The Rookie Nobody Saw Coming
Elijah Ponder’s story reads like a preseason long shot. An undrafted rookie out of Cal Poly, he wasn’t expected to make the 53-man roster, let alone contribute in meaningful games. But here we are in December, and Ponder’s not only sticking around-he’s making plays.
With injuries thinning the defensive line and the departure of Keion White opening up snaps, Ponder has seized his opportunity. He’s recorded three sacks over the past four games and continues to make his presence felt on special teams. His fumble recovery off a Christian Elliss hit in Week 13 was a tone-setting moment that helped the Patriots seize momentum.
He’s not just filling in-he’s earning more snaps with every game. As the Patriots gear up for a playoff run, don’t be surprised if Ponder’s name keeps coming up in big moments.
Final Word
The Patriots’ 2025 success has been driven by more than just star power. Yes, Drake Maye is the face of the franchise and playing like an MVP, but it’s the contributions from players like Tonga, Woodson, Hollins, Moses, and Ponder that are helping this team win in all three phases.
It’s the kind of depth and resilience that championship teams are built on-and with the playoffs on the horizon, New England looks like a team that’s just getting started.