The 2023 season could the end of an era for the New England Patriots. With the way things have gone to this point, no one would be surprised if owner Robert Kraft decided to end the working relationship with Bill Belichick.
The Patriots are heading toward missing the playoffs for the third time in four seasons since Tom Brady left. This year could be the breaking point for Kraft, as he is watching his team put together not only the worst season in the Belichick era but potentially in franchise history.
The offense has been a mess, which is what Mike Reiss of ESPN pointed to as his one stat that has defined the first half for the Patriots. The struggles on that side of the ball have torpedoed any chance they had at being competitive this season.
“The Patriots’ offense ranks 31st in points per game (15.0). Preseason hope that the hiring of offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien would breathe life into the Patriots’ disappointing attack from 2022 hasn’t come to fruition. The reasons for that are multilayered — from inconsistency and injuries along the offensive line to limited talent among pass-catchers, to QB Mac Jones’ inability to avoid costly turnovers,” Reiss wrote.
Mac Jones was at a loss for words following the team’s Week 9 loss to the Washington Commanders. He did a good job remaining composed and not throwing anyone under the bus when he was asked about the struggles of the team’s offense in scheming players open.
Jones is doing his best to remain confident in himself, but that is easier said than one. His performance has not been great and he has already been benched mid-game multiple times this season.
Bill O’Brien was expected to help get him back on track, but there is only so much you can do when your supporting cast is limited. The Patriots offensive line hasn’t played great and there are no game-breaking weapons in the passing game. His quasi-No. 1 target, Kendrick Bourne, tore his ACL in Week 8.
At 2-7, the Patriots are going nowhere fast this season. This offseason will be a major one for the franchise as Kraft could be looking for a new general manager, head coach and quarterback.
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