Three Reasons To Keep Watching The Patriots

The past few weeks for Patriots fans have been uncharted territory for the last two decades. As the team sits at 3-10 and eliminated from playoff contention, fans are experiencing a situation where some want the team to lose. After years of division titles, AFC championships and Super Bowl wins, the focus is now on a top draft pick. Fans are experiencing a constant internal battle of rooting for a loss for their favorite team. It’s not a fun experience, to say the least. With that said, as the Patriots enter the home stretch of the season, there are some positives to watch over the final four games. Let’s take a look at three reasons to keep watching the Patriots.

1. Belichick’s Legacy

I never imagined that in 2023, many fans would have the viewpoint of Bill Belichick that they do right now. Losing seasons and poor roster management have resulted in many fans turning on Belichick and wanting to fire him. Albeit, their feelings are understood, with the possible ramifications coming this offseason, it may be time to take a step back and reflect over the next four games.

Bill Belichick was the leader of two decades of dominance. Nine Super Bowl appearances, six Super Bowl wins, three COY awards, and 383 wins are just a few of an endless list of accomplishments Belichick has had as Patriots head coach. His legacy will forever be imprinted in NFL and more importantly, Patriots history. One of the greatest defensive minds ever teamed up with Tom Brady and went on a two-decade tear of dominance. Over the next four weeks, it’s time to recognize that this might be the end of the Belichick era. Fans should put aside their distaste over recent seasons and appreciate everything that Belichick did for the New England Patriots.

2. Future Core

Through the misery that’s been the 2023 Patriots season, there are some positives among individual players and at this point in the season, the remaining focus should be on planning for the future.

Looking beyond the obvious names that played well for the Patriots this season, the focus is on the young pieces that will be part of the team in 2024 and beyond. Keep an eye on the likes of Christian Barmore, Demario Douglas, Sidy Sow, Cole Strange, Keion White, and a few others. They’re part of the future and all could be major contributors to the team long term.

3. Pending Retirements

Over the past few years, the Patriots have witnessed the retirements of core players. Super Bowl champions Dont’a Hightower and Devin McCourty are the two main ones. As the season winds down, it’s time to recognize and appreciate what could be the end for two career-long Patriots.

First, David Andrews has been the starting center for eight seasons, on two Super Bowl champion-winning teams and captain since 2017. It’s unknown if this will be the end for Andrews and he’s under contract for 2024. With that said, Andrews could seemingly hang them up. People were caught off guard by a reference insinuating it after a recent post-game loss. He could be back in 2024, but if he’s not, it’s been a great career.

Second, is the long-time captain and de facto “Aww Yeah” president in the locker room. The 16-year “wide receiver” made a career on special teams and is now considered one of, if not the best to do it. 2x ST All-Pro, 10 Pro Bowls, and three Super Bowls lead the headlines of what’s been a phenomenal career for Matthew Slater. He almost retired after the 2022 season but ultimately decided to return. Logic would suggest this is the end for the “Walter Payton Man of the Year” winner. Patriots fans should appreciate everything he has done on and off the field for the New England Patriots.

Change of Perspective

There is no doubt that watching the Patriots this year has been tough. With that said, I’d suggest changing your perspective over the final four games. There is plenty of time to revert to discussing the needed changes once this season ends. For now, let’s take the time to recognize what might be coming to an end soon.

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