Is the Patriots’ poor play a result of bad execution, or do you think that there are behind the scenes locker room issues at the root of their problems?
Kyle: It think it’s poor execution coupled with poor coaching. It literally looked like they had no plan last Monday. Maybe they had a plan, but it wasn’t a good one; and, there was no backup just in case what actually happened happened. They can’t tackle, they can’t block, they can’t run, they can’t throw. The only thing they can do is cover kicks-only Matt Slater is blameless.The rest- pass around the giant blame sandwiches and let them all take a bite. (I just got sad typing that last answer.)
Raj: We won’t be able to tell if it’s a locker room issue since there has to been any mention of it in the news. My strong assumption though is that there isn’t any behind-the-scenes conflict because this team is very well-knit. I strongly feel the play calling on the field is the biggest issue. Whether it be offensive or defensive, the plays are a bit questionable (i.e.: Brady passing it when he had to just run 3 yards for a first down). They just need to look at the tape and then make better calls. If they do that, then I think they’ll be set.
Rick: It’s mainly bad execution for me. While I do think the locker room might have some issues after the Logan Mankins trade, I think not having Scarnecchia as the offensive line coach has hurt this unit. The release of Tommy Kelly has hurt the defensive line because they can’t stop the run against good running backs like Knowshon Moreno and Jamaal Charles. All in all, there is talent on this roster, they just aren’t making plays. It also is a little confusing why Aaron Dobson and Kenbrell Thompkins can’t get on the field at the same time. Dobson showed good signs as a downfield weapon and Thompkins made some good plays against the Raiders in Week 3. Plus, Tim Wright has barely been used this season as a part of that Logan Mankins trade. There is talent here, but Belichick has to use it correctly and put his players in the best position to succeed.
Derek: There have been some subtle hints that everything may not be rosy in Foxboro. Steve Young and Trent Dilfer spent time talking to Tom Brady before the game on Monday Night and then came out and lambasted Bill Belichick and Robert Kraft for not surrounding Brady with enough weapons. The Logan Mankins trade clearly wasn’t a popular move in the locker room. There’s rumors that Aaron Dobson mouthed off to Josh McDaniels. Brandon LaFell told reporters that he’s frustrated with being sent out to block on offense instead of catch balls. Danny Amendola broke the Belichick cone of silence and admitted to a secret off-season surgery. And it wasn’t that long ago that Vince Wilfork was demanding to be cut or traded before ultimately restructuring his deal.
Let’s be honest, the Patriots are a class organization on one end, but are also a ruthless business on the other with very little regard for a player’s past production for their system. There is a delicate balance that needs to be maintained within the locker room by Belichick and Kraft. They need their players to buy into the “Patriot Way” and play their hearts out on Sunday, while downplaying the fact that every man on the roster is viewed as expendable if a higher “value” replacement comes along. I’m not saying that the Patriots are wrong for taking the hard stance that they often do. It’s allowed them to maintain an unprecedented amount of success over the past decade and a half. Still, they have to know that their locker room can be as fragile as a house of cards. If things start to head south and players start becoming discontent, the whole thing could ultimately come crashing down.
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