(Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
The days of the New England Patriots being an NFL powerhouse are long gone.
Legendary quarterback Tom Brady left a few years ago, and not everyone is sold on Mac Jones, who is entering his third season as the man under center for them.
Right now, with the Patriots preparing for their Week 1 contest versus the defending NFC champion Philadelphia Eagles, there are plenty of people expecting them to miss the playoffs again.
But owner Robert Kraft seems to see a glimmer of hope, as he noted the developing chemistry and the connection between Jones and Bill O’Brien, who has returned to be their offensive coordinator.
Robert Kraft: Embracing the Patriots as an underdog being picked last in the division … he sees promising youth, “great chemistry” and a Bill O’Brien-Mac Jones connection. pic.twitter.com/xKCHz7rATf
— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) September 7, 2023
O’Brien had previously served in several capacities for New England from 2007 to 2011, and his experience working with Brady should certainly be an asset for Jones.
Wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster has come to the team from the defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs, while three-time Pro Bowl running back Ezekiel Elliott will strengthen their backfield.
However, the AFC is insanely loaded, and that may be the worst news for the Patriots this season.
In their own division, they will have to deal with the Buffalo Bills, who are perennial contenders, the explosive Miami Dolphins, and the star-studded, new-look New York Jets.
Elsewhere in the conference, there are a number of potent teams that will be contending for wild-card playoff spots, including the Dolphins, Las Vegas Raiders, Los Angeles Chargers, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Denver Broncos.
Those are all teams the Patriots will play at some point this season.
The post Robert Kraft Opens Up On Patriots Being Underdogs This Season appeared first on The Cold Wire.