As we get prepared for the upcoming high school sports season, we are also gearing up for the New England Patriots’ return this Sunday when they host the Las Vegas Raiders for opening day.

The Pats have struggled to the tune of consecutive four-win seasons and brought back familiar face Mike Vrabel as head coach. As most of us know, Vrabel was a key starter in the team’s three Super Bowl wins in 2001, 2003 and 2004 as a player.

Along with Vrabel, the team spent nearly $100 million in free agency and welcomed in a new draft class. The team is better on paper and is lucky to have the third easiest strength of schedule as it looks to bounce back into contention.

Here’s what I like.

Vrabel, first and foremost. He’s a natural leader, a tone setter and has had success as an NFL head coach, as he led the Tennessee Titans to the playoffs and won NFL Coach of the Year a few seasons ago. 

Jerod Mayo was in over his head as coach last season and the team was off the rails within weeks of kick-off. Vrabel brings an established system into New England, along with a seasoned coaching staff with several former head coaches in tow. This team will be organized and well-prepared. 

Secondly, the defense. The team has a top-shelf cornerback duo in Christian Gonzalez and newcomer Calton Davis, while having what could be a scary front led by a healthy Christian Barmore and free agent signees Milton Williams and Harold Landry. Also included will be Robert Spillane and returning third-year player Keion White.

Thirdly, the running game. Sure, Rhamondre Stevenson’s fumbling woes have become more than a small issue, but when he hangs onto the ball, he’s a force. Second round draft pick TreVeyon Henderson has exploded onto the scene and has been their most dynamic player this preseason. 

These two backs along with Antonio Gibson should allow the team to run against anyone. Tough defense and an efficient rushing attack won’t provide a high ceiling but will give the team a high floor.

What I don’t like? The offensive line.

Despite the team brining in free agents like Morgan Moses and Garrett Bradbury and drafting Will Campbell out of LSU and Jared Wilson out of Georgia, the offensive line still looks like a massive liability as we close in on the opener.

Campbell and Wilson’s inexperience have been evident on the left side while Bradbury had an unimpressive camp. Moses has been on a pitch count due to his age, which at best is concerning considering it’s only September and his reps are already being managed. This is a rebuilding offense with a young quarterback in Drake Maye, you can’t get by with mediocre line play and it looks like that’s what we’ll be getting. 

Another thing I dislike? The depth overall.

Gonzalez’s availability in week one is in jeopardy as he has missed time with a hamstring injury. Not having him deals a big blow to the defense, as would an injury to any of the aforementioned guys up front. The offensive line is also hanging on by a thread, as any injury would likely doom the unit and offense as a whole. 

Sure, the wide receiver room has a lot of bodies, but if either Stefon Diggs or Demario Douglas get hurt, this room will crumble, as will the tight ends. This team will need to remain fully healthy to have any shot at a playoff run.

This season will come down to three factors. Vrabel’s influence, Maye’s development, and health. If Vrabel keeps the team focused and organized, if Maye takes a step forward in his second year and elevates those around him, and the team remains healthy across the board, we may see the Patriots take a significant leap forward. If not, it could be another down year. Not down as in four wins again, but down as in playing meaningless games in December.

My final prediction: 9-8, missing the playoffs on tiebreakers. 

As for the rest of the league, I am picking the Chiefs to win the Super Bowl.

After last year’s butt kicking, everyone seems to be down on them, which I find absurd.

Andy Reid and Patrick Mahomes remain the league’s best coach-QB duo. The only issue the team had last season was offensive line depth, which is what led to its demise against the Philadelphia Eagles in the Super Bowl. The Chiefs signed Jaylon Moore from San Francisco and drafted Josh Simmons in the first round. That problem should be resolved.

Not to mention that most other teams toward the top have regressed. Philly lost several defensive starters, the Buffalo Bills are starting to age on defense. 

The AFC will come down to the Chiefs and Baltimore Ravens, and the winner will beat any NFC opponent it faces in the Super Bowl. Give me the coach and quarterback.