The New England Patriots' season continues to unravel, leaving fans and the organization searching for answers. Once a dominant force in the NFL, the Patriots under the leadership of Bill Belichick and Tom Brady were practically synonymous with success, regularly competing for playoff victories and Super Bowl titles. But those glory days feel like a distant memory.
On Sunday, the Patriots faced off against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, in a game that highlighted just how far the franchise has fallen. With only three wins this season, the Patriots are a shadow of their former selves, and frustrations are boiling over—even at the very top.
Team owner Robert Kraft and his son, Jonathan Kraft, were caught on camera during the game, visibly dissatisfied. Their expressions of disapproval seemed to convey the mounting frustration within the organization. Lip readers analyzing the footage believe the Krafts were harshly criticizing the Patriots’ offensive play-calling. According to interpretations, Jonathan Kraft appeared to say, “The play-calling is terrible.”
Such sentiments would hardly come as a surprise to fans and analysts. The Patriots’ offense has struggled all season, and the lack of creativity or effectiveness in their game plans has drawn widespread criticism. Even Jerod Mayo, the team’s head coach, seems to share in the frustration. As noted by Christian D’Andrea, Mayo’s visible dissatisfaction during games reflects the challenges the team faces in turning its season around.
However, if the lip readers’ analysis is accurate, the dissatisfaction from ownership could signal that changes are on the horizon. Head coach Mayo holds the authority to make those changes, and the urgency to address the team’s offensive woes has never been greater. With the backing—or pressure—of ownership, adjustments to the play-calling may need to happen sooner rather than later.
For a team that once seemed untouchable, the stark reality of their current situation is a bitter pill to swallow. Whether the Krafts’ critiques will catalyze improvements or deepen the team’s struggles remains to be seen. One thing is clear: the New England Patriots have a lot of work to do to regain their former glory.
