A National NFL Insider believes it’s wrong to think Patriots owner Robert Kraft wouldn’t fire Bill Belichick
In a recent article, Jeff Howe highlights the challenges and concerns facing the New England Patriots, specifically their owner Robert Kraft and head coach Bill Belichick. The Patriots have recently suffered back-to-back humiliating losses, including a 34-0 shutout against the New Orleans Saints, marking the worst shutout loss in franchise history.
Kraft, despite his loyalty to Belichick and their shared success over two decades, is becoming increasingly frustrated with the team’s lack of success, particularly in the post-Tom Brady era. While Belichick was initially hired for his defensive acumen and salary cap expertise, the team’s inability to adapt to the changing landscape of the NFL has become a glaring issue. Not investing in top-tier wide receivers, struggling to draft and develop talent, and failing to build a strong offensive line are among the key concerns.
The quarterback situation is also uncertain, with Mac Jones facing criticism and questions about his potential due to the instability around him. The lack of a succession plan when former offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels departed in 2022 has further complicated matters, with Belichick’s choices backfiring.
The Patriots have also struggled to keep their homegrown talent, unlike other successful teams around the league. The defense, frustrated with the underperforming offense, is enduring its own challenges.
Kraft, who grew up as a Patriots fan during their darkest days, is running out of patience and is likely to expect better results. The team’s current record and performance indicate that a turnaround might not be imminent, and Kraft is no longer thrilled with watching other teams’ highlights on his new, expensive scoreboard.
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – SEPTEMBER 24: Head coach Bill Belichick of the New England Patriots looks on in the first half of a game against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on September 24, 2023 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
The Patriots, who were once a dominant force in the NFL, are now grappling with the possibility of missing the playoffs for the fourth consecutive season. The team’s point and turnover differentials are among the worst in the league, and they currently hold the fifth pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. The team’s glory days seem like a distant memory, and the pressure is mounting on Belichick to turn things around quickly.
During this morning’s Toucher & Rich radio program, Fred, Rich and Jon Wallach discuss the article and express their surprise at the shift in public opinion regarding Belichick. They note that many Patriots fans are now critical of the coach and question his decisions, something that was uncommon in the past when he was considered infallible. They also highlight the need for immediate and significant changes in Foxborough, including a new GM and coaching staff.
You can read Howe’s article here.
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Nick Gemelli is a Producer for the Toucher and Rich program and contributor for 985thesportshub.com. you can follow Nick at @NickGemelli on Twitter.
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Greg Bedard: 3 Up and 3 Down for the Patriots in Week 5
Greg Bedard of BostonSportsJournal.com joined Felger and Mazz on Tuesday, as he does every Tuesday during the football season, to discuss the latest with the New England Patriots following their embarrassing 34-0 loss at home to the New Orleans in week 5 of the NFL season.
Some stats from the game courtesy of NFL.com…
Mac Jones completed just 12 of his 22 passes for a total of 110 yards. He had a rating of 30.5 in the loss.
Kendrick Bourne led all Patriots receivers with 43 receptions yards.
The Patriots managed just 8 first downs in the loss. The Saints picked up 17 first downs.
Ja’Whaun Bentley led all Patriots defenders with 11 tackles in the loss, including a sack of Saints QB Derek Carr that was for 9 yards.
Demario Douglas had the longest reception of the game for the Patriots, which was a 24 yard reception from Mac Jones.
Trent Brown, Vederian Lowe, and David Andrews played 100% of the snaps on offense for the Patriots. Kyle Dugger led all Patriots defenders by playing 86% of the snaps on the defensive side of the ball.
The Saints had a time of possession of 39:34 in the game. The Patriots possessed the ball for just 20:26 in the loss.
The Patriots are now 0-3 at Gillette Stadium in the 2023 season.
3 UP
Lawrence Guy
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – OCTOBER 30: Zach Wilson #2 of the New York Jets is sacked by Lawrence Guy #93 of the New England Patriots during the fourth quarter at MetLife Stadium on October 30, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
Greg Bedard: Lawrence Guy. I thought he was really good against the run and getting off blocks. It was a good game for him.
Jahlani Tavai
Sep 10, 2023; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots linebacker Jahlani Tavai (48) prepares for a game against the Philadelphia Eagles during the warm-up period at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports
Greg Bedard: Jahlani Tavai. Good, solid game, especially getting off blocks in the run game.
Riley Reiff
Eric Canha-USA TODAY SportsFoxborough, MA: New England Patriots offensive tackle Riley Reiff (74) works with a weight bag during 2023 training camp. (Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports)
Greg Bedard: Riley Reiff. I thought he was the I thought he was the best offensive lineman in his playing time. To basically come off the IR and play like that, I thought he did a good job.
3 Down
Mac Jones
Winslow Townson/Getty ImagesFOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – OCTOBER 08: New England Patriots offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien and Mac Jones #10 of the New England Patriots look on during the first quarter against the New Orleans Saints at Gillette Stadium on October 08, 2023 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Winslow Townson/Getty Images)
Greg Bedard: Mac Jones. My second worst rated game for him, after last week. It’s just not good enough and he has to find a way to get better. He has to slow down. Like even when there are plays there to be made, he’s too early. He’s rushing things. The completion to Kendrick Bourne, while you know went for 26 yards or whatever, it’s too much of a lollipop. Like step into it and just throw the ball. Then the Ty Montgomery interception, originally I put that on Montgomery I split it between the two of them, but it was way too much of a lollipop. He’s throwing flat footed, his mechanics are bad, like just throw the freaking ball.
Atonio Mafi
Eric Canha-USA TODAY SportsAug. 10, 2023; Foxborough, MA: New England Patriots guard Atonio Mafi on the sideline during a preseason game against the Houston Texans at Gillette Stadium. (Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports)
Greg Bedard: Atonio Mafi. It just gotten too fast for him. He needs to sit, but I don’t know health wise, between Cole Strange and Mike Onwemu, whether that’s possible this week.
JuJu Smith-Schuster
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – SEPTEMBER 24: JuJu Smith-Schuster #7 of the New England Patriots runs for a first down in the second quarter of a game against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on September 24, 2023 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
Greg Bedard: JuJu Smith-Schuster. He’s terrible. He’s awful. He should be cut. He should be. I mean, you know, I don’t know what his health status is. Obviously he has a concussion now, but as far as his knee, I don’t know. As far as his on field play, if he wasn’t guaranteed $16 million from this team, he should be cut.
Bonus downs from the game!
New England Patriots quarterback Bailey Zappe (4) throws a pass during the third quarter at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Friday, Aug. 25, 2023.
Greg Bedard: Let me also add special teams, Bailey Zappe, Ty Montgomery, Mike Onwenu, Vederian Lowe, Adrian Phillips, J.C. Jackson, and Ja’Whaun Bentley.
