The 2023 NFL season is here and the New England Patriots are ready to compete. The AFC East is set to be as tight as it ever has been, meaning the margin for error is small if we’re going to avoid missing the playoffs for the third time in four seasons.
The Patriots finished the 2022 campaign with an 8-9 record, but that had a lot to do with injuries and underperformers. Fast forward to 2023 and the roster is healthier with deeper reinforcements than before. There’s no excuse for this team not to be competing for a playoff spot come December.
There is ample skill in New England to complete the task, but everyone’s contribution is necessary. Which players, then, will be evaluated to steer the ship?
The top 15 Patriots players are listed here in anticipation of the 2023 NFL schedule.
The 2023 rankings of the top 15 Patriots players include Matthew Slater.
Let’s show Matthew Slater the respect he deserves, as special teams players don’t often receive it.
Entering his 16th NFL season, the former 2008 fifth-round pick is displaying no signs of slowing down. If anything, he keeps going against the dictates of Father Time, making ten trips to the Pro Bowl and earning five All-Pro selections (two first-team, three second-team) in only 2011 alone.
Slater has played at least 80% of the snaps in each of the last three seasons, making him an important component of the Patriots’ special teams. During that time, he has been effective, recording 31 total tackles (13 solo) and seven kick returns for 106 yards (15.1 yards per attempt).
Slater’s performance is even more remarkable when you consider that he has been that reliable despite turning 38 before the Patriots even play the Philadelphia Eagles this weekend.
I won’t be astonished if he adds another Pro Bowl or All-Pro appearance to his resume this season, as long as he acts like himself.
14. Jalen Mills
Even though Jalen Mills was only with the team for two seasons, he has grown to be a favourite among New England fans.
Despite playing in just 10 games last season, Mills looked more like himself after a dismal 2021 campaign. He finished with 26 solo tackles, five passes broken up, and two interceptions.
Furthermore, while giving up two touchdown passes after giving up seven the previous year, he reduced opposition quarterbacks to a 60.9% completion rate and an 83.4 passer rating (as opposed to 111.4 in 2021).
When Devin McCourty retires this offseason, Mills will be switching from cornerback to safety in the upcoming season. Thankfully, the 29-year-old veteran played safety for the Philadelphia Eagles as recently as the 2020 season, when he allowed 57.6% completion percentage and 82.0 quarterback rating in 15 games.
This year, Mills is carrying a great deal of burden. But if he can demonstrate that he can take McCourty’s place, he might be ranked higher the next year.
