The State Of The Patriots

The state of the Patriots a week early. At this point, not much can be said next week that can't be said now. Mayo is a hands-off CEO head coach who appears to have no communication with coordinators. He allows too much freedom, creating problems. The young coach hasn't shown follow-through and has been exposed for being wet behind the ears. The best option is to bring in an advisor or cut Mayo.

Belichick's corporate approach hid dysfunction, but now it's on full display. Does anybody miss how Bill did things yet!? Kraft's expectations were the 7th seed; they made it clear they expected the playoffs without directly saying it. With everything going on, Mayo has to be on the hot seat.

Covington is too inexperienced as a defensive coordinator, but the Patriots' defensive coordinator position is a good spot despite roster regression. As for Van Pelt, he needs improvement but deserves another year unless Wolfe doesn't plan on upgrading the roster. The offensive coordinator job, given this roster and the team's recent history, has to be undesirable. Replacing Van Pelt with anyone else but McDaniels seems impossible.

Pats fans want a loss with one week left, after having called for wins in the previous three meaningless games; now they're concerned with draft status. This is why teams shouldn't listen to the consensus of their fan base.

The roster itself has shown an overall regression and sloppy fundamentals. There's a lack of focus on the basics. They have no consistency this season, and to top it off, the locker room is split, with some defending Mayo, others quitting on plays and calling out the staff. And with all the holes on the roster, it has to be pointed out that the team passed on the opportunity to trade down, accumulate more picks, and still end up with Nix or McCarthy. They're not Maye, but the extra selections wouldn't be on other teams, while the Patriots have holes.

The offensive line regressed to its start-of-season level, coming full circle this season. The Patriots need either a better bell cow or an elite all-purpose back, as Stevenson cannot secure the football. The receivers suck outside of the slot position, and the tight ends are the only bright spot on offense, aside from Maye. Hell, the team doesn't even know who next season's backup quarterback is going to be.

The defense regressed and is not playing to the expected level. Keion White wants out due to defensive coaching dysfunction. Gonzo has been good, but the rest of the roster never showed up this season. Additionally, Jonathan Jones looks old and slow, and not like a potential free safety convert.

The Patriots had a few good seasons before Bledsoe, including the 1985 Super Bowl appearance, but they were pretty much a team of patriotic losers. Fans have either forgotten or are experiencing for the first time what it's like to support a team without consistent success. What fans are experiencing is what happens when ownership interferes with the team three years before the franchise quarterback departs and then asks the coach to be more cooperative after the franchise quarterback leaves.