After missing the playoffs for the first time in what seemed like forever (it was 12 years), the New England Patriots earned a wild-card spot in 2021 with a 10-7 record. They were blown out by Buffalo in the first round of the playoffs, but it was a positive step in the post-Tom Brady era.
Coaching
Bill Belichick will coach the Patriots for the 23rd season. Belichick has a 254-99 record in New England with six Super Bowl wins and three other trips to the big game. The Patriots have gone 31-13 in the postseason since 2001.