Patriots Season Will Be Success If They Achieve These Six Things

Jerod Mayo is right.

The Patriots season should not be viewed strictly through the lens of wins and losses. Who cares if New England beats the New York Jets in Week 8 only to miss the playoffs? Who cares if the Los Angeles Rams cover a potential double-digit spread in Week 11?

Is that something only a loser would say? Maybe.

But the rebuilding Patriots should be focused on development and progress, especially as it relates to their young players.

"A successful season is going out there, being competitive each and every game and getting better as the year progresses," Mayo told WEEI's "Greg Hill Show" this week when asked how he measures success. "That's how I look at it."

Competitive is a good qualifier. We're not saying the Patriots should be fine with getting blown out in 16 of their 18 games. One- or two-possession losses, though? Not the worst thing, especially if there are eye-catching developments

Here are six things that could be used to gauge whether the Patriots had a successful season:

Drake Maye, duh
Veteran quarterback Jacoby Brissett will start the season behind center for the Patriots. It's the correct call in September, but who knows how long that will last. If Maye replaces Brissett and shows traits similar to those of a franchise signal-caller, the Patriots' season is a success. We're not going to say the rookie needs to win X games or needs to replace Brissett by Week X or needs to throw X touchdowns. We're simply looking for signs of improvement and a high ceiling. Maye certainly showed some of those during training camp and his final two preseason games. Remember the completion to Javon Baker over the middle of the field? Remember the drop by Baker on a 50-plus-yard throw from Maye? Remember Maye's long third-down run to move the chains? Remember his off-platform throw down the sideline to K.J. Osborn, which was called back due to a penalty? Those stood out. If Maye puts more of those on tape it will serve as much-needed confirmation the Patriots are headed in the right direction.

Young receivers take on expanded roles
Second-year wideout DeMario Douglas looked like a legitimate playmaker during training camp. Maye said the shifty slotman could lose a defender in a phone booth. If that proves to be the case, and if the 2023 sixth-round pick makes a noticeable second-year leap, that will be a very good sign for the offense. Much of the same can be said about 2024 second-round pick Ja'Lynn Polk and Baker. Polk was much more consistent in camp and the preseason while Baker made highlight-reel plays but didn't stack days the same way. Do either need to eclipse 1,000 yards like Justin Jefferson or Ja'Marr Chase did in their respective rookie seasons? No. But if Polk and/or Baker join Douglas and fit the mold of solid skill-position players, that's another win.

Christian Gonzalez makes second-year leap
Gonzalez only played four games in his rookie season. The 2023 first-round pick looked worthy of Defensive Rookie of the Year consideration during that span, but some might view it as a small sample size. Mayo and company are fully confident in the second-year cornerback, and if Gonzalez locks down opponents' top options this season, it'll cement the belief that the Patriots have a long-term answer at one of the most premier positions.

Patriots staff impresses in debut campaign
The roster doesn't represent the only new faces in New England. Mayo enters his first season as head coach and offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt is calling plays for the first time. It's very unlikely Mayo will be on the hot seat any time soon, but it would go a long way if he looks like a smart, young coach in his first campaign. He's already been praised for how he relates to players, but what about his on-field decision-making? Van Pelt has more or less been labeled as the head coach of the offense. Does he get the most out of those who are on the field? How does his run-heavy scheme fare? If those serve as massive improvements from previous seasons, the Patriots identified their next OC.

Making future plans
Eliot Wolf falls into a similar bucket as New England's staff. What will we see from him? The first-year executive vice president of player personnel didn’t put as many resources into the offensive line in free agency, but he made a smart move in trading Matthew Judon for a third-round pick. Given the Patriots aren't expected to be in playoff contention, might Wolf sell off more veteran pieces for picks ahead of the trade deadline? That would align with the rebuild.

Youthful linemen stick
New England's offensive line was one of the biggest storylines this preseason. The Patriots will be in much better shape entering next season if 2024 third-rounder Caedan Wallace showcases starting potential at tackle (even right tackle) and rookie fourth-rounder Layden Robinson proves himself to be a legitimate contributor at guard. At least they would add to Mike Onwenu and give the Patriots three reliable starters entering 2025 -- depending on the future of starting center David Andrews. Then the Patriots can focus on left tackle in the draft.