Sam Acho sees peak offseason attention after LKS Super Bowl loss
After a strong season under new head coach Mike Vrabel, The New England Patriots’ 2025 streak ended with a 29-13 loss to the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl 60. The loss was a harsh reality check after Vrabel’s first year.
ESPN analyst and former linebacker Sam Acho pointed to the wide receiving corps as the Patriots’ top offseason priority. He emphasized the need to protect quarterback Drake May.
“Get another wide receiver who can be a VR1 for your quarterback Drake Mayo.”
“Get another wide receiver who can be a VR1 for your quarterback Drake Mayo.”@TheSamAcho talks about how he thinks the Patriots can set themselves up for success next season after losing in the Super Bowl ✍ pic.twitter.com/2IHRbdGaZd
— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) February 17, 2026
One clear question in the Super Bowl was the Patriots’ lack of explosive plays. The offense never quite found its rhythm. Adding another reliable playmaker for May could help open things up and make the offense more consistent.
May was sacked six times and hit another 11 times, with all three turnovers occurring while under pressure.
Seattle’s defense controlled the game, recording six sacks and forcing three turnovers. While New England’s defense held its own at times, the offense struggled to keep up, pointing to several areas the front office, led by executive vice president of player personnel Eli Wolf, will need to address this offseason.
Meanwhile, the Patriots offense was productive and efficient with Mayo during the regular season, but the playoffs told a different story.
While the offensive line remains a concern, there’s also a case that May could benefit from another reliable target or two in the future.
With the season over, New England turned its attention to the offseason and the adjustments needed to take the next step forward. Whether through the draft, free agency or trade, the Patriots could help Maye by adding another playmaking target.
2026-02-18 10:54:00
