The New England Patriots enter the 2026 season with plenty of expectations after reaching Super Bowl LX and making a major move for star wide receiver A.J. Brown.
Brown is expected to give quarterback Drake Maye a true No. 1 target and help take the Patriots’ offense to another level. However, former NFL linebacker Emmanuel Acho believes the season could be much more difficult than many are expecting.
Emmanuel Acho Warns About Patriots’ Expectations
Brown brings a proven track record to New England and ranked 12th among wide receivers in PFN’s WR Impact Metric last season. Coming into 2026, he has recorded more than 1,000 receiving yards in four straight seasons, giving Maye a reliable weapon on the outside.
The two have also reportedly developed strong chemistry during training camp. Maye has praised Brown’s ability to make big plays even when the throw is not perfect.
That has naturally raised expectations around the Patriots.
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Acho, however, is not convinced it will be that easy. Discussing on the “Speakeasy” podcast, the former Eagles linebacker warned that the Patriots could face plenty of adversity throughout the season.
“I’m excited to see what’s going to happen when A.J. Brown and Drake Maye hit tension because they will. I think this will be a rougher season for the Patriots than anyone expects,” Acho said.
He pointed to several factors that could make the season challenging.
“They got a really hard schedule,” Acho said. “They’re dealing with contract holdouts on defense. They’re dealing with injuries from what’s supposed to be their most explosive player, the second most explosive player on offense. It’s going to be a tough year for the Patriots.”
As Acho noted, the Patriots have several concerns heading into Week 1, starting with Christian Gonzalez’s contract situation. While Gonzalez is frustrated by the slow negotiations, he has continued practicing with the team.
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New England is also dealing with a running back injury, as TreVeyon Henderson has missed practice time with an ankle injury sustained on August 24. Rhamondre Stevenson, who missed multiple games last season with turf toe, is healthy entering 2026 and is the presumptive Week 1 starter with Henderson’s status uncertain.
Adding to the challenge, the Patriots face a tougher 2026 schedule, with seven road games in their first 11 contests.
The schedule includes difficult matchups against the Seahawks, Jacksonville Jaguars, and Buffalo Bills, along with a game in Munich. The Patriots will also face several challenging road primetime games against strong AFC West and NFC North opponents.
The Patriots open against Seattle in a Super Bowl LX rematch, putting Maye and Brown under immediate pressure.
With a tough schedule and early adversity ahead, how they respond could determine whether New England challenges for another Super Bowl or struggles, as Acho predicts.
