The New England Patriots hit a low point with their 32-16 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars in London, a defeat that dropped them to a 1-6 record at the bottom of the AFC standings.
But the next four games saw the Patriots make genuine progress.
Rookie quarterback Drake Maye has shown -- albeit in a small sample -- that he has the tools to be a franchise quarterback. The defense showed improvement, including a nine-sack performance against the Chicago Bears in Week 10. The rushing attack, led by Rhamondre Stevenson, showed signs of life.