The New England Patriots‘ grip on the league is slipping away.
Coincidentally, they are not the same menacing team after Tom Brady left.
Head coach Bill Belichick is still around to give the team some semblance of success.
However, they do not strike fear upon opponents the same way they did during their almost two decades of dominance.
Quarterback Mac Jones looks to be an ideal fit in New England, but it will take time for him to develop into an elite play-caller.
Until that happens, perhaps team owner Robert Kraft’s frustrations will continue to grow, as shared by The Athletic’s Patriots reporter Matthew Fairburn.
Patriots owner Robert Kraft spoke with us down here in Palm Beach and said, “It bothers me that we haven’t been able to win a playoff game game the last three years.” Added he expects the team to be a legit contender, “as soon as this year.”
— Matthew Fairburn (@MatthewFairburn) March 29, 2022
Fairburn shared Kraft’s thoughts on his team’s recent postseason performances and he is growing impatient.
Kraft said, “It bothers me that we haven’t been able to win a playoff game the last three years.”
He also envisions the team becoming a legitimate contender in 2022.
His last statement might be a tough call because most of the AFC teams improved their roster.
In their division alone, the Buffalo Bills brought in Jamison Crowder and Von Miller.
Meanwhile, the Miami Dolphins upgraded with Chase Edmonds, Raheem Mostert, Terron Armstead, and Tyreek Hill.
That said, the Patriots might not even survive the games against their AFC East foes.
Patriots Still Waiting For Returns From Free-Agent Signings
The Patriots had a splurge during the first day of 2021 free agency.
In a matter of hours, they’ve built a formidable roster by bringing in Nelson Agholor, Kendrick Bourne, Hunter Henry, Matthew Judon, Jalen Mills, and Jonnu Smith.
Those additions enabled them to finish the regular season with a 10-7 record.
But even with those players and All-Pro cornerback J.C. Jackson, the Bills proved during the Wild Card game that there’s a wide discrepancy between them and the division champions.
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