NFL New Look Review. Part 4: New England Patriots

With the longest dynasty in NFL history seemingly coming to an end, the New England Patriots unveiled a change to the uniforms which they donned for 6 Super Bowl titles.  With Tom Brady gone, the Patriots are faced with their first season of uncertainty in 20 years.  As they begin a new era, the Patriots decided to give their regular look a facelift.  Gone is the blue and silver look, replaced with a predominently blue, red and white design.  While many Patriots fans were hoping for a return of Pat the Patriot, the team elected not to change the logo or the helmets.  While I do miss the old logo and red uniforms, it must be said that in the years they wore those uniforms, the Patriots managed just six playoff appearances and one trip to the Super Bowl, a 45-10 loss to the 1985 Chicago Bears. Thus, the "Flying Elvis" logo sticks around as a symbol of the success of the franchise. The new look isn't really a new look though.  The Patriots have decided replace the old uniforms with the color-rush design they had used previously.  A navy blue jersey sports red and white shoulder stripes and matching blue pants with a wide, white stripe with red lining.  The white jersey is the same design, with red and blue stripes and the same pants.  While I have yet to see a design with white pants, I would imagine they will unveil one.

Goodbye Tom, and those uniforms

The Positives:  The new Patriots uniforms have a much better color scheme than what they've worn before.  They've eliminated the silver from the uniforms and added more red and white to the navy blue.  They're also eliminated the single silver stripe from the shoulders, adding a cleaner looking red and white design.  The Patriots have also changed the number font to a more traditional block style. While there are many who dislike the shoulder stripes, I actually think they're an improvement on the previous uniforms.

The Negatives:  While the "Flying Elvis" logo is related to the success of the team, the Patriots helmets need an update.  The silver no longer goes with the current look.  While fans may not get Patthe Patriot back, a white helmet would look much better.  Even a navy blue helmet would be an improvement.  Finally, the pants do not match the uniforms. The stripes need to be consistent with the shoulder stripes on the jersey.  Unfortunately, they have a wide white stripe on the pants which makes the uniform look like they simply threw it together without attention to detail, very non-Belichick of them!  Fix the stripes on the pants and add a white option and they'll have a stronger look.  

Final Verdict:  While the change was needed, the Patriots could have done better.  The uniform leaves a lot to be desired.  There's not much variety to choose from and the helmet remains the same.  They're off to a good start, but there's just not much of a wow factor.  The uniforms are about as fulfilling as a Bill Belichick press conference.  At least the annoying silver stripes are gone though and there's still room to improve. 

Grade: C+