As the 2026 NFL season approaches, all eyes are on the New England Patriots—but not everyone is ready to crown them just yet. ESPN commentator and former All-Pro linebacker Bart Scott, a longtime rival during his playing days with the Baltimore Ravens and New York Jets, has raised a compelling question: Can the Patriots handle being "the hunted"?

Appearing on ESPN's Get Up this week, Scott acknowledged the Patriots' surprising 14-win season and AFC championship run in 2025. However, he believes last year's success caught many teams off guard, and the 2026 season will be a true test of their staying power.

"With the Patriots, it's intriguing because usually when you have a year that's unexpected, sometimes you have a course correction," Scott explained. "Now people aren't used to being the hunted—they're used to being hunters. Let's see how the Patriots handle that. The Bills are going to be coming for redemption, and everybody is going to start eyeing and circling those games."

The Patriots have made significant upgrades this offseason through free agency and the 2026 NFL Draft, bolstering both their offense and defense. On paper, this year's squad looks even stronger than the one that reached the Super Bowl. But as Scott suggests, talent alone doesn't guarantee success when every opponent is bringing their A-game.

This season will serve as a crucial measuring stick for New England. Can they maintain their momentum and prove last year wasn't a fluke? Or will the pressure of being the top target lead to a "course correction"? For fans and analysts alike, it's a storyline worth watching—and one that will define the Patriots' identity for years to come.