Patriots owner Robert Kraft sides against Bill Belichick in Mac Jones argument

04 April 2023 , 11:39

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Bill Belichick has been blamed for the New England Patriots' misfortunes last season

New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft blames Bill Belichick for the team's abysmal 2022 season and not quarterback Mac Jones, claims NFL insider Greg Bedard.

The Patriots missed out on the playoffs last season after a terrible regular season campaign, in which they swapped the starting quarterback role between Jones and Bailey Zappe. Jones would eventually return to the starting role but fail to have any meaningful success.

With the team stumbling to the line with a record of 8-9, finishing 3rd in the AFC East. In the offseason, the Patriots decided to revamp their coaching setup and bring back former offensive coordinator Bill O'Brien.

The blame for last season's misfortunes has been split between Belichick and Jones, but it seems Kraft has already made his mind up. Speaking to the Patriots Press Pass Podcast, Bedard explained: "Kraft, for the most part, stays out of personnel. But I think this is a sign that times have changed.

"He's feeling the pressure from the fans, the lack of buzz... the Krafts feel like Bill hasn't done enough to help himself and you need to help yourself when you're 71 years old."

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The Patriots re-hired O'Brien during the offseason to give Belichick some support on offense, having failed to successfully replace Josh McDaniels after his exit for the head coach role at the Las Vegas Raiders.

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And Bedard explained he believes the blame for last season can be put down to the fact the Patriots coaching staff didn't effectively support Jones, but that things will be different next year with O'Brien back.

He continued: “I don’t know how many more times Robert Kraft has to be anywhere and talk about Mac Jones and how much they believe in him — and probably also his rookie contract — that they think Bill screwed the pooch last year with Mac Jones. And they don’t think that should be held against Mac. Now they have Bill O’Brien and they should go forward.”

Daniel Blackham